President Barack Obama

• The Inauguration
• The Cabinet
• State of the Union address

State Visits

• President Obama's Visit to the UK, 31 March-3 April 2009
• President Obama's State Visit to the UK, 24-26 May 2011
  

Policy News

12 February 2013 President Obama's 2013 State of the Union Address
• Obama Offers Sweeping Second-Term Agenda

01 February 2013 Proclamation on 100th Anniversary of Rosa Parks' Birth   President Obama issues a proclamation on the 100th anniversary of Rosa Parks’s birth. Rosa Parks began a process that changed the United States when she refused to give up her seat on a city bus to a white passenger.

29 January 2013 President Obama on Kerry's Confirmation as Secretary of State   "I am pleased that the Senate has confirmed John Kerry as our next Secretary of State with overwhelming bipartisan support.  ... John has earned the respect of leaders around the world and the confidence of Democrats and Republicans in the Senate, and I am confident he will make an extraordinary Secretary of State."

29 January 2013 Obama Encouraged by Bipartisan Efforts for Immigration Reform  Speaking at a Nevada school with a student body that is more than half Hispanic, President Obama said he is upbeat about the prospects for U.S. immigration reform. Partisan politics have prevented any concrete proposals for dealing with the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants thought to be living in the United States.
• White House: Key Facts on Immigration Reform

24 January 2013 Obama on Opening Combat Units to Women  Today, by moving to open more military positions — including ground combat units — to women, our armed forces have taken another historic step toward harnessing the talents and skills of all our citizens. This milestone reflects the courageous and patriotic service of women through more than two centuries of American history and the indispensable role of women in today’s military.

22 January 2013 Statement by the President on Roe v. Wade Anniversary

21 January 2013 Obama, Biden Begin Their Second Terms  In a public ceremony attended by nearly 1 million supported and watched by millions more on television, President Obama challenged Americans to work together to uphold the promise of democracy and meet the challenges of the 21st century. Officially, both men’s second terms began the day before, on January 20.

21 January 2013 President Obama's Second Inaugural Address  "For now decisions are upon us and we cannot afford delay. We cannot mistake absolutism for principle, or substitute spectacle for politics, or treat name-calling as reasoned debate. (Applause.) We must act, knowing that our work will be imperfect. We must act, knowing that today’s victories will be only partial and that it will be up to those who stand here in four years and 40 years and 400 years hence to advance the timeless spirit once conferred to us in a spare Philadelphia hall."

16 January 2013  President Obama Announces New Measures to Prevent Gun Violence (Whitehouse.gov) "Our nation has suffered too much at the hands of dangerous people who use guns to commit horrific acts of violence." As President Obama said following the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy, “We won’t be able to stop every violent act, but if there is even one thing that we can do to prevent any of these events, we have a deep obligation, all of us, to try.”
 • Read the transcript
 • Watch the video at Whitehouse.gov 

12 January 2013 President Obama on Ending the War in Afghanistan  Following his meeting with Afghan President Hamid Karza on January 11, President Obama used his weekly address to update the American people on how the United States will end the war in Afghanistan, and how the goal of ensuring that al-Qaida never again uses Afghanistan to launch attacks against America is within reach.
 • Joint Statement by Presidents Obama, Karzai

10 January 2013 Jack Lew Nominated as Obama's Treasury Secretary  President Obama has nominated White House Chief of Staff Jack Lew to serve as the secretary of the U.S. Treasury Department. If confirmed by the Senate, Lew will be in charge of overseeing U.S. financial security and will serve as the president’s chief economic adviser, replacing outgoing Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner.

07 January 2013 Obama Nominates Two for National Security Team   President Obama rounded out his second-term national security team January 7 by nominating former U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel for defense secretary and White House counterterrorism adviser John Brennan to head the Central Intelligence Agency.

 2012

31 December 2012 Proclamation on 150th Anniversary of Emancipation Proclamation  As the weariness of an old year gave way to the promise of a new one, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation -- courageously declaring that on January 1, 1863, "all persons held as slaves" in rebellious areas "shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free."

31 December 2012 "Faith in America's Future" Is 2013 Obama Inaugural Theme   Ceremonies for President Obama’s inauguration for a second term will have “Faith in America's Future” as an overall theme.

31 December 2012 Planners Look to Precedents if Inauguration Day Falls on Sunday  Only six times in U.S. history has the constitutionally mandated date for a presidential inauguration fallen on a Sunday.  And, in a tradition that dates back to 1917, the White House will likely arrange a private swearing-in before noon on January 20, 2013.

27 December 2012 Inaugural Balls Are a Long, Varied American Tradition  For the 2013 inauguration, President Obama, citing the state of the economy, has asked for only two official inaugural balls, down from 10 after his 2009 inauguration. One of the 2013 balls will be for the president’s invited guests, with some tickets for the public. The other will be for military families.

27 December 2012 Why Is U.S. Inauguration Day Held in Cold of January?  For nearly 80 years, January 20 has been the day of America’s presidential transition. Because the 20th falls on a Sunday in 2013, President Obama will take the oath of office January 20 in private, and again publicly on January 21 as part of the now familiar inaugural proceedings.

26 December 2012 Inauguration Celebrates Continuity of American Democracy  When Barack Obama takes the oath of office on January 21, 2013, it will mark the 57th time that a U.S. president has been sworn in for a four-year term since 1789, when George Washington first took the same oath.

21 December 2012 Obama on Nomination of John Kerry as Secretary of State
 • Obama Says John Kerry Is "Perfect Choice" for Secretary of State

19 December 2012 Remarks by President Obama in a Press Conference  

14 December 2012 Statement by President Obama on the School Shooting in Newtown, Connecticut 

13 December 2012 Obama's Statement on Ambassador Rice  "Today, I spoke to Ambassador Susan Rice, and accepted her decision to remove her name from consideration for Secretary of State. ... While I deeply regret the unfair and misleading attacks on Susan Rice in recent weeks, her decision demonstrates the strength of her character, and an admirable commitment to rise above the politics of the moment to put our national interests first."

03 December 2012 Obama on Reducing Threat of Nuclear Weapons   "Missile by missile, warhead by warhead, shell by shell, we’re putting a bygone era behind us."

21 November 2012 Remarks by the President at the National Thanksgiving Turkey Pardon 

20 November 2012 Presidential Proclamation for Thanksgiving Day 2012 
• Thanksgiving: A Favorite U.S. Holiday

19 November 2012 Obama's Remarks at University of Yangon, Burma     Said President Obama, “This nation that's been so isolated can show the world the power of a new beginning, and demonstrate once again that the journey to democracy goes hand in hand with development.”
 • Obama: As Burma Reforms, It Will Have U.S. Support 

16 November 2012 Obama's Asia Visit Highlights Region's Priority for Second Term President Obama’s first trip since his re-election will be to the Asia-Pacific region, which sends a “powerful signal” that the region will remain a strategic priority for the United States and a focus for its diplomatic activity, resources and engagement, says the president’s national security adviser, Tom Donilon.

14 November 2012 President Obama's News Conference  President Obama held a news conference to answer questions about his plans for the next four years.

11 November 2012 President Obama's Remarks at Veterans Day Ceremony 

07 November 2012 President Obama's Victory Speech  in Chicago, Illinois "I believe we can seize this future together because we are not as divided as our politics suggests. We're not as cynical as the pundits believe. We are greater than the sum of our individual ambitions and we remain more than a collection of red states and blue states. We are, and forever will be, the United States of America"

07 November 2012  Presidential Proclamation for Veterans Day 2012 

01 November 2012 Presidential Proclamation on National Entrepreneurship Month  "America is known around the world as a country that empowers the inventor and the innovator. Ours is a Nation where men and women can take a chance on a dream -- where they can take an idea that starts around a kitchen table or in a garage and turn it into a new business or a new industry. During National Entrepreneurship Month, we celebrate the hard work, ingenuity, and courage of our thinkers, doers, and makers."

24 October 2012 Obama Proclamation on United Nations Day 2012

01 October 2012 Presidential Proclamation for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 2012 

25 September 2012 Obama Vows to Intensify Fight Against Human Trafficking  Speaking at the annual meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative in New York, the president said that more than 20 million people have been ensnared in what he called “modern slavery,” which distorts markets, endangers public health and fuels violence and organized crime.

25 September 2012 World Cannot Contain Challenge of Nuclear-Armed Iran, Obama Says   President Obama says the United States “will do what we must” to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon because of the global and regional threat that a nuclear-armed Iran would pose.

25 September 2012 President Obama's Address at 67th U.N. General Assembly, New York

19 September 2012 White House on Obama's Videoconference with Afghan President

13 September 2012 Summary of Obama's Call with Yemeni President Hadi 

13 September 2012 U.S. a "Nation that Respects All Faiths"   In condemning the attacks on the American mission in Benghazi, Libya, President Obama reaffirms the United States' commitment to religious tolerance.

12 September 2012 Obama Condemns Attack that Killed Four U.S. Diplomats in Benghazi   President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton condemned a rocket attack on the U.S. mission in Benghazi, Libya, that took the lives of four Americans, including U.S. Ambassador John Christopher Stevens.

12 September 2012 Remarks by the President On the Deaths of U.S. Embassy Staff in Libya

12 September 2012 Statement by the President on the Attack in Benghazi    "I strongly condemn the outrageous attack on our diplomatic facility in Benghazi, which took the lives of four Americans, including Ambassador Chris Stevens. Right now, the American people have the families of those we lost in our thoughts and prayers. They exemplified America's commitment to freedom, justice, and partnership with nations and people around the globe, and stand in stark contrast to those who callously took their lives."
• Statement by Secretary Clinton on the Death of American Personnel in Benghazi, Libya

11 September 2011 Marking the Eleventh Anniversary of 9/11  President Obama and the First Lady marked the eleventh anniversary of the September 11 attacks.  They began the day at the White House, observing a moment of silence on the South Lawn just after 8:45 a.m., around the time the first plane hit the north tower of the World Trade Center. Afterward, they traveled to the Pentagon, where the President spoke at a memorial service in honor of those who died there, as well as in New York and Pennsylvania.

08 September 2012 President Obama on Coming Together to Remember September 11   President Obama marked the 11th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks in his weekly address to the American people September 8 by remembering the innocent lives lost, honoring the first responders and men and women in uniform who have served and sacrificed to keep the nation safe and citing strengthened alliances across the world to fight terrorism.

26 August 2012 President Obama on Death of Neil Armstrong  "Neil was among the greatest of American heroes — not just of his time, but of all time. When he and his fellow crew members lifted off aboard Apollo 11 in 1969, they carried with them the aspirations of an entire nation."
• Astronaut Neil Armstrong: 1930–2012

18 August 2012 Statement by the President on the Occasion of Eid-al-Fitr

14 August 2012 President Obama Holds White House Iftar President Obama hosted his fourth iftar as president in the State Dining Room of the White House on August 10.

13 August 2012 Obama’s Remarks to NASA's Curiosity Rover Team

09 August 2012 President Obama Announces Presidential Delegation to the Closing Ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Summer Games

06 August 2012 Statement by the President Remembering those lost in Munich  "Today, the United States is proud to stand in solemn remembrance with the Israeli people to remember the eleven Israeli athletes who were  killed forty years ago. The passage of time cannot dim the memory of  the hope and promise that those members of the Israeli Olympic team  embodied, just as time does not dull the horror at the brutal  terrorist attack the took their lives."

05 August 2012 Statement by the President on the Shooting in Wisconsin   "Michelle and I were deeply saddened to learn of the shooting that tragically took so many lives in Wisconsin. At this difficult time, the people of Oak Creek must know that the American people have them in our thoughts and prayers, and our hearts go out to the families and friends of those who were killed and wounded. My Administration will provide whatever support is necessary to the officials who are responding to this tragic shooting and moving forward with an investigation. As we mourn this loss which took place at a house of worship, we are reminded how much our country has been enriched by Sikhs, who are a part of our broader American family."
 • Readout of the President’s Calls on the Wisconsin Shooting

 31 July 2012 Obama on Additional Sanctions Related to Iran
 • White House Fact Sheet on Additional Iran Sanctions

27 July 2012 Obama at Signing of U.S.-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act 
 • Fact Sheet: Advancing Israel's Security and Supporting Peace

23 July 2012 Remembering Sally Ride: President Obama Salutes an American Hero
  • Statement by President Obama on the Passing of Sally Ride

20 July 2012 Obama on Taking the Cyberattack Threat Seriously  Op-ed by President Obama.
 • President Calls for Legislation for Cyber Defense

20 July 2012 President Obama on the the Tragedy in Colorado (Whitehouse blog)   "Michelle and I are shocked and saddened by the horrific and tragic shooting in Colorado. Federal and local law enforcement are still responding, and my Administration will do everything that we can to support the people of Aurora in this extraordinarily difficult time. We are committed to bringing whoever was responsible to justice, ensuring the safety of our people, and caring for those who have been wounded. As we do when confronted by moments of darkness and challenge, we must now come together as one American family. All of us must have the people of Aurora in our thoughts and prayers as they confront the loss of family, friends, and neighbors, and we must stand together with them in the challenging hours and days to come."
 • Remarks by the President on the shooting in Colorado

17 July 2012 President Obama, First Lady on Nelson Mandela International Day  "On behalf of the people of the United States, we would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Nelson Mandela on the occasion of his 94th birthday and the fourth annual Nelson Mandela International Day."

04 July 2012 Remarks by President Obama at Fourth of July Celebration 

28 June 2012 Obama's Health Care Law Survives Supreme Court Review  The court, in a 5–4 decision, found most provisions, including the so-called “individual mandate,” of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act constitutional. Only one portion of the law — the right of the federal government to withhold funding from states that refuse to participate in an expansion of the Medicaid program — was rejected by the court.
 • The Affordable Care Act: Secure Health Coverage for the Middle Class

23 June 2012 President Obama Reflects on the Impact of Title IX  "Women are not just taking a seat at the table or sitting at the head of it, they are creating success on their own terms. The women who grew up with Title IX now pioneer scientific breakthroughs, run thriving businesses, govern states, and, yes, coach varsity teams."

22 June 2012 U.S. Presidential Delegation to 2012 Olympics Opening  President Obama announced the Presidential Delegation to the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games in London. First Lady Michelle Obama will lead the delegation this summer, accompanied by Olympic and Paralympic greats to attend the Opening Ceremony, meet with U.S. athletes, and encourage American children to be active in their daily lives.

20 June 2012  Obama Confident in Europe's Economic Recovery   The president said Europe has the resources to solve its crisis, and mainly needs “a sense of specifics and the path” to the solution, which in turn will help “build confidence and reverse psychology” for global investors.

18 June 2012 Joint Statement by Obama, Russian President Putin at their meeting in Mexico 

15 June 2012  Obama Announces "More Fair and More Just" Immigration System  The United States will immediately stop deporting certain young immigrants who were brought to the country as children, President Obama announced, a change that he said will make the U.S. immigration system “more efficient, more fair and more just.”
 •  Remarks by the President on Immigration

08 June 2012 Remarks by President Obama on the U.S. Economy and European Economic Challenges The President said "The bottom line is the solutions to these problems are hard, but there are solutions. The decisions required are tough, but Europe has the capacity to make them."

26 May 2012 President Obama : Honoring Our Fallen Heroes this Memorial Day  In this week’s address, President Obama paid tribute to our men and women in uniform who have died in service to our country.  The President also reaffirmed our nation’s dedication to serving our veterans as well as they have served us, and thanked our men and women in uniform for their unwavering commitment to the United States.  As we come together on Memorial Day, we remind our military families and veterans that they are not alone, and give our thanks to those who made the ultimate sacrifice and helped make America the most prosperous and powerful nation on earth.

20 May 2012 President Obama on Results of NATO Summit   "This was a big undertaking, some 60 world leaders not to mention folks who were exercising their freedom of speech and assembly, the very freedoms that our alliance are dedicated to defending. And so it was a lot to carry for the people of Chicago, but this is a city of big shoulders. Rahm, his team, Chicagoans proved that this world-class city knows how to put on a world-class event."
 • NATO Announces Interim Missile Defense Capability 
 • NATO Allies: Afghan Forces Will Take Security Control in 2013
 • White House Fact Sheet on NATO Capabilities
 • NATO's Chicago Summit Declaration

20 May 2012 President Obama's Remarks at Closing of G8 Summit
• Camp David Declaration by G8 Leaders
• G8 Nations Agree to Promote Economic Growth, Job Creation

17 May 2012 Obama Hosts 2012 G8 and NATO Summits  President Obama will host the 2012 Group of Eight (G8) Summit of advanced economies at the Maryland presidential retreat, Camp David, to discuss the global economy and the current situation in Europe and will host the 28-member NATO Summit in Chicago for talks on defense and security cooperation, including the transition in Afghanistan.

15 May 2012 Obama at Barnard College Commencement Ceremony  "Now more than ever -- now more than ever, America needs what you, the Class of 2012, has to offer. America needs you to reach high and hope deeply. And if you fight for your seat at the table, and you set a better example, and you persevere in what you decide to do with your life, I have every faith not only that you will succeed, but that, through you, our nation will continue to be a beacon of light for men and women, boys and girls, in every corner of the globe."

01 May 2012 President Obama in Kabul on Transition in Afghanistan 

23 April 2012 Obama Says National Sovereignty Is No Excuse for Atrocities President Obama said what ultimately led to deaths camps in Treblinka and Auschwitz actually began inside the “hearts of ordinary men and women.”
 • Remarks by the President at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

27 March 2012 Obama Welcomes Global Cooperation Against Nuclear Terrorism  Nuclear terrorism is one of the most serious and urgent threats to global security, with the danger that civilians and popular locations can be targeted with a “dirty bomb” or some other nuclear device that could kill hundreds of thousands of people says President Obama.

27 March 2012 Remarks by President Obama at Opening Plenary Session of the Nuclear Security Summit 

26 March 2012 Obama Calls for More Cuts to U.S., Russian Nuclear Weapons  President Obama said he plans discussions with Russian leaders aimed at further reducing the number of nuclear weapons in the U.S. and Russian arsenals, as part of his commitment to stopping the spread of nuclear weapons and eventually achieving a world without them.
 • Obama’s Speech at Hankuk University in Seoul 

25 March 2012 Obama, South Korea’s Lee Discuss Regional Security, Global Economy  President Obama and Korean President Lee Myung-bak discussed a range of issues affecting the United States and the Republic of Korea, including a recently signed free trade agreement, the global economy, regional issues and North Korea. Earlier in the day, Obama visited U.S. troops stationed at the demilitarized zone that has separated North and South Korea since the end of the Korean War in 1953.
 • Press Conference by Obama, South Korean President Lee

20 March 2012 Remarks of President Obama Marking Nowruz Today, Michelle and I extend our best wishes to all those who are celebrating Nowruz around the world.  In communities and homes from America to southwest Asia, families and friends are coming together to celebrate the hope that comes with renewal.   To the people of Iran, this holiday comes at a time of continued tension between our two countries.  But as people gather with their families, do good deeds, and welcome a new season, we are also reminded of the common humanity that we share. 

15 March 2012 President Obama on Trafficking in Persons  "Slavery remains the affront to human dignity and stain on our collective conscience that it has always been.  That is why members of my cabinet and senior advisors gathered at the White House today, at a meeting chaired by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, to lay out their plans for meeting this challenge."

12 March 2012 Obama: 2012 G8 and NATO Summits Scheduled for May  President Obama says he will host the 2012 Group of Eight (G8) summit of advanced economies outside Washington at the Maryland presidential retreat of Camp David to discuss long-term global economic recovery. He will also host the 28-member NATO Summit in Chicago this spring for talks on defense and security cooperation.  When the two summits were first announced, the White House had said it would host both events back-to-back in Chicago, the president’s hometown. But the president said during a news conference recently that splitting the two summits was an idea proposed to him after the initial announcement.

11 March 2012 President Obama on Civilian Deaths in Afghanistan   "I offer my condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, and to the people of Afghanistan, who have endured too much violence and suffering. This incident is tragic and shocking, and does not represent the exceptional character of our military and the respect that the United States has for the people of Afghanistan."

06 March 2012 Obama Says Iran Can Show It Is Serious in Upcoming Nuclear Talks  President Obama says it is in every country’s interest that widespread concerns that Iran is developing nuclear weapons under the cover of a civilian program are resolved diplomatically. “We have a window of opportunity where this can still be resolved diplomatically,” he said.  Earlier the European Union’s foreign policy chief, Catherine Ashton, announced that she had offered to resume discussions with the Iranians.

05 March 2012 Obama Will Prevent Iran from Getting Nuclear Weapon  President Obama says he is dedicated to preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, arguing that if Iran becomes a nuclear-armed power it would spark an arms race in the Middle East and Iran could supply a nuclear device to a terrorist group.

04 March 2012 Excerpt: Obama on Iran at AIPAC Policy Conference  “A nuclear-armed Iran is completely counter to Israel’s security interests. But it is also counter to the national security interests of the United States. Indeed, the entire world has an interest in preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. A nuclear-armed Iran would thoroughly undermine the non-proliferation regime that we have done so much to build.”

13 February 2012 Obama Budget to Cut Deficit, Support Economic Recovery  President Obama has sent to Congress his federal budget for fiscal year 2013, a White House road map for how the United States can “grow the economy, create jobs and give Americans everywhere the security they deserve.”   The president’s budget needs the approval of Congress to pass before fiscal year 2013 begins October 1.
• Fact Sheet: Overview of Obama’s FY2013 Budget for State and USAID

09 February 2012 President Obama's Remarks after bilateral with Prime Minister Monti of Italy  “And we discussed a wide range of diplomatic concern, including the situation in Syria, where we both have a great interest in ending the outrageous bloodshed that we've seen and seeing a transition from the current government that has been assaulting its people.”

08 February 2012 Summary of Obama’s Meeting on Afghanistan, Pakistan  President Obama met today with his national security team as a part of his regular meetings on Afghanistan and Pakistan. The President received an update on our engagement with the Pakistani Government on a range of issues of mutual interest, including efforts to strengthen cooperation along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

08 February 2012  Obama Wants More Math and Science Students - and Teachers   Even as President Obama welcomed a crowd of more than 100 students with their science exhibits to the White House, he made it clear he wants to see a whole lot more.  At the second White House Science Fair celebrating the student winners of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) competitions around the country, Obama announced a private-public commitment totaling more than $100 million to prepare 100,000 STEM teachers in the next decade.

04 February 2012 Statement by President Obama on Violence in Syria  The international community must work to protect the Syrian people from this abhorrent brutality.  Earlier this week, our Arab partners called on UN Security Council members to take action to support a political solution to the crisis in Syria and stop Assad’s “killing machine.”  The Council now has an opportunity to stand against the Assad regime’s relentless brutality and to demonstrate that it is a credible advocate for the universal rights that are written into the UN Charter.
• U.S. “Disgusted” by Security Council Inaction on Syria Peace Plan

30 January 2012 Obama Has Overseen Major Shifts in U.S. Foreign Policy  In the three years since President Obama’s inauguration, the world has seen significant shifts in U.S. foreign policy as the United States has ended its involvement in Iraq, focused its efforts on nuclear nonproliferation and security, and emphasized the importance of the Asia-Pacific region to American interests.

24 Janaury 2012 A U.S. Economy “Built to Last” Must be Fair, Obama Says   As the United States recovers from an economic recession, Obama said January 24, it needs “an economy built to last” that will support all who want to work, as well as risk-takers and entrepreneurs who will create new jobs in startup companies and small businesses.
 • President Obama's State of the Union Address 2012
 • Blueprint for an America Built to Last (PDF, 8-pages)

19 January 2012 Obama Announces Visa Process Improvements for Visitors to U.S.   President Obama says the departments of State and Homeland Security are working together to improve and speed up the visa process for foreign travelers to the United States.  He announced a new visa pilot program that will “simplify and speed up the non-immigrant visa process for certain applicants, including the ability to waive interviews for some very low-risk applicants” seeking to renew a visa.

13 January 2012  Presidential Obama's Proclamation for the Martin Luther King, Jr., Federal Holiday, 2012   "At a time when our Nation was sharply divided, Dr. King called on a generation of Americans to be "voices of reason, sanity, and understanding amid the voices of violence, hatred, and emotion."  His example stirred men and women of all backgrounds to become foot soldiers for justice, and his leadership gave them the courage to refuse the limitations of the day and fight for the prospect of tomorrow.  Because these individuals showed the resilience to stand firm in the face of the fiercest resistance, we are the benefactors of an extraordinary legacy of progress."

05 January 2012 Obama Announces New Defense Strategy   President Obama announced a new defense strategy that emphasizes U.S. strategic interests for a fast-changing world after a decade of war.  The new strategy reflects both a shift in global strategic thinking and the realities of a more austere national budget climate that is mandated by the U.S. Congress.

2011

30 December 2011 President Obama signs National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012   "I have signed the Act chiefly because it authorizes funding for the defense of the United States and its interests abroad, crucial services for service members and their families, and vital national security programs that must be renewed. ... The fact that I support this bill as a whole does not mean I agree with everything in it. In particular, I have signed this bill despite having serious reservations with certain provisions that regulate the detention, interrogation, and prosecution of suspected terrorists."

30 December 2011  Proclamation on Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month   Nearly a century and a half ago, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation -- a document that reaffirmed the noble goals of equality and freedom for all that lie at the heart of what it means to live in America. In the years since, we have tirelessly pursued the realization and protection of these essential principles.

22 December 2011 President Obama on the Horn of Africa Famine Today, on behalf of the U.S. Government and the American people, I am announcing an additional $113 million in emergency relief assistance for the Horn of Africa.

18 December 2011 Obama Statement on Death of Vaclav Havel   I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing today of Vaclav Havel, a playwright and prisoner of conscience who became President of Czechoslovakia and of the Czech Republic. .. Like millions around the world, I was inspired by his words and leadership, and was humbled to stand with the Czech people in a free and vibrant Hradcany Square as President.

12 December 2011 The End of the War in Iraq  President Obama met with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to discuss the end of the Iraq war and the steps necessary to realize a new phase in the relationship between the two countries.

06 December 2011 Presidential Proclamation on National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2011

01 December 2011 Remarks by the President on World AIDS Day  "This is a global fight, and it’s one that America must continue to lead.  Looking back at the history of HIV/AIDS, you’ll see that no other country has done more than this country, and that’s testament to our leadership as a country".
 • Working Toward an AIDS-Free Generation

28 November 2011 Obama, EU Leaders Meet amid Euro Crisis The United States urged European Union officials to move forcefully and decisively in responding to the mounting crisis involving the euro and a potential threat to the world economy.   President Obama met with European Council President Herman Van Rompuy and European Commission President José Manuel Barroso at the White House for an annual summit.

21 November 2011 Presidential Proclamation of the 50th Anniversary of the United States Agency For International Development (USAID)    Since President John F. Kennedy founded USAID in 1961, the men and women of USAID have worked on the front lines of poverty and conflict to support communities and countries as they build a better future. ... And by delivering aid in the wake of natural disasters and humanitarian crises, we express the generosity and goodwill that unite us as a people.

21 November 2011 President Obama on Additional Sanctions on Iran   Today, my Administration has taken yet another step to further isolate and penalize Iran for its refusal to live up to its international obligations regarding its nuclear program.  ... Today, my Administration has taken action to impose an additional cost on Iran for its actions.
 • Clinton : New Sanctions on Iran
 • Fact Sheet : New Sanctions on Iran
 • White House Executive Order -- Iran Sanctions

19 November 2011 President Obama : Creating an Economy Built to Last   In this week’s address, President Obama spoke from Indonesia and told the American people that during his trip to the Asia Pacific, he has made progress opening up markets to support thousands of American jobs and keep us on track to double American exports by 2014.  The President’s trip underscores his belief that our businesses will always be successful competing around the world and that he will continue to do everything possible to create jobs for the American people.

17 November 2011 Free People Create Economic Growth, Obama Says  A country’s greatest economic resource is the talent and entrepreneurial spirit of its people, President Obama says, and open and accountable governments that treat all of their citizens equally and with dignity are in a better position to enjoy economic growth that will benefit everyone in their society.

16 November 2011 Proclamation by President Obama for Thanksgiving Day 2011  President Obama: "One of our Nation's oldest and most cherished traditions, Thanksgiving Day brings us closer to our loved ones and invites us to reflect on the blessings that enrich our lives.  The observance recalls the celebration of an autumn harvest centuries ago, when the Wampanoag tribe joined the Pilgrims at Plymouth Colony to share in the fruits of a bountiful season. "
 • Thanksgiving: A Favorite U.S. Holiday

09 November 2011 President Obama's Proclamation for Veterans Day, 2011   "Today, our Nation comes together to honor our veterans and commemorate the legacy of profound service and sacrifice they have upheld in pursuit of a more perfect Union. ... This year, as our troops in Iraq complete their mission, we will honor them and all who serve by working tirelessly to give them the care, the benefits, and the opportunities they have earned."

08 November 2011 Obama, NATO Chief Discuss Libya, Afghanistan  President Obama and NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen met to discuss NATO’s just-ended mission to support Libya and to discuss goals for the 2012 Chicago summit, which will feature discussions on Afghanistan.  A significant part of their meeting in the Oval Office was focused on NATO’s defense capabilities to meet future security threats, which is expected to be a dominant theme at the next summit. Obama is hosting the 25th NATO summit May 20–21 in Chicago.

08 November 2011 Presidential Proclamation on World Freedom Day 2011  On November 9, 1989, the German people broke through a barrier that divided their nation, demonstrating no wall is strong enough to hold back the rising tide of human liberty. There could be no clearer rebuke of tyranny, nor a stronger affirmation of freedom. On World Freedom Day, we commemorate the fall of the Berlin Wall, celebrate the resilience of the human spirit, and stand with all those who live in the darkness of oppression and believe in the hope of a brighter day.

04 November 2011 Obama: Advanced Economies Lay Plans for Economic Growth  President Obama says the Group of 20 nations have worked together and made progress toward strengthening the global economy, averting another recession and putting the world on the path to recovery.  At a press conference Obama said the G20 nations agreed to stay focused on jobs and economic growth through an extensive plan that calls for greater coordination on individual national actions and policies.
 • Fact Sheet: G20 Cannes Action Plan for Growth and Jobs
 • Fact Sheet: G20 on U.S. Financial Reform, G20 Leaders’ Agenda
 • Fact Sheet: G20 on Common Global Challenges

05 November 2011 Statement by the President on Hajj and Eid al-Adha The President and Mrs. Obama extend greetings for a happy Eid al-Adha to Muslims worldwide and congratulate those performing Hajj.

03 November 2011 Obama Meets with French, German Leaders on Debt Crisis President Obama met separately with French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel before the opening of the Group of 20 advanced economies leaders summit in Cannes, France, and resolving the European debt crisis was at the center of their talks.

03 November 2011 Remarks by President Obama and President Nicolas Sarkozy of France in a Joint Statement

03 November 2011 Remarks by President Obama and German Chancellor Merkel Before Bilateral Meeting

31 October 2011 White House Preview of Obama’s Upcoming Trip to G20 Summit 

28 October 2011 Obama: A Firewall to Stop Europe’s Crisis Spreading  An op-ed by President Obama was published in the Financial Times on October 28.

24 October 2011 Obama Congratulates Libya on Its Liberation  President Obama offered his congratulations to the people of Libya on the nation’s declaration of liberation. ...  “Now that the fighting in Libya has reached an end, the Transitional National Council (TNC) must turn its attention to the political transition ahead,” the president added.

24 October 2011 Proclamation by President Obama on United Nations Day

24 October 2011 Readout of the President’s call with Egyptian Field Marshal Tantawi  President Obama called Egyptian Field Marshal Tantawi today to reaffirm the close partnership between the United States and Egypt and to underscore his full support for Egypt’s transition to democracy. The two leaders agreed that Egypt’s upcoming elections must be free and fair and be held in accordance with democratic standards.

23 October 2011 President Obama's Statement on Declaration of Liberation in Libya "On behalf of the American people, I congratulate the people of Libya on today’s historic declaration of liberation.  After four decades of brutal dictatorship and eight months of deadly conflict, the Libyan people can now celebrate their freedom and the beginning of a new era of promise."
 • Secretary Clinton on Liberation of Libya

23 October 2011 President Obama on Elections in Tunisia  "Today, less than a year after they inspired the world, the Tunisian people took an important step forward.  I congratulate the millions of Tunisians who voted in the first democratic elections to take place in the country that changed the course of history and began the Arab Spring."

21 October 2011 Obama: All U.S. Forces to Leave Iraq by End of 2011  President Obama announced that by the end of 2011 all U.S. military forces will be withdrawn from Iraq.  Obama made the announcement at the White House shortly after conferring with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki in a secure video conference between Washington and Baghdad.

20 October 2011 Obama: Qadhafi’s Death Was Inevitable End of Dictatorship   Former Libyan dictator Muammar Qadhafi’s death is “a momentous day in the history of Libya,” President Obama said, and marks the end of “a long and painful chapter” for its people as they continue to transition from his 42-year rule.
 • President Obama on Announcement of Death of Libya’s Qadhafi
 • Ambassador Rice on Death of Libya’s Muammar Qadhafi

16 October 2011 Obama Dedicates Memorial to Martin Luther King Jr.  President Obama dedicated a new memorial in Washington to Martin Luther King Jr. the nation’s foremost civil rights leader, saying King’s legacy proves “change can come if you do not give up.”  He said the United States today is more fair, free and just than during the 1950s and 1960s when King fought for racial equality.
 • Obama’s Remarks at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Dedication

12 October 2011 Obama: Iranian Plot a Flagrant Violation of International Law  President Obama says an alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Saudi Arabian Ambassador to the United States Adel al-Jubeir and kill Americans in the United States is “a flagrant violation of U.S. and international law.”  The president also met with his national security team at the White House to thank members for disrupting the plot and for the close coordination between law enforcement and intelligence agencies, the White House said.

10 October 2011 Obama’s Calls with U.K. Prime Minister, French President  Today the President spoke by phone separately with British Prime Minister David Cameron and French President Nicolas Sarkozy, continuing his close consultations with these key allies about the situation in the eurozone.

06 October 2011 Obama Says European Debt Crisis Could Have “Real Effect” on U.S.  President Obama says the European sovereign debt crisis could hurt the U.S. economy, and he urged European leaders to “act fast” in support of Greece and other countries in the European Monetary Union that are having difficulty paying their debts.

05 October 2011  President Obama on the Passing of Steve Jobs  Following the loss of visionary Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, President Obama released this statement on the White House website:

"Michelle and I are saddened to learn of the passing of Steve Jobs. Steve was among the greatest of American innovators - brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, and talented enough to do it.
...
The world has lost a visionary. And there may be no greater tribute to Steve’s success than the fact that much of the world learned of his passing on a device he invented. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to Steve’s wife Laurene, his family, and all those who loved him."
(read the statement)

21 September 2011 Obama Urges Leaders to Seek Lasting Peace in Imperfect World  Saying that pursuing peace in an imperfect world is their greatest responsibility, President Obama called on world leaders at the United Nations to recommit to seeking a lasting peace — for nations and for individuals — that is built on a sense of justice and opportunity, of dignity and freedom.

21 September 2011 Remarks by President Obama in Address to the United Nations General Assembly

20 September 2011 Remarks by President Obama at the High-Level Meeting on Libya 

20 September 2011 White House Fact Sheet: Advancing U.S. Interests at the United Nations

11 September 2011 President Obama’s Remarks at “A Concert for Hope”

11 September 2011 Remarks by the President at the September 11th 10th Anniversary Commemoration
•  Obama Says U.S. Is a Stronger Nation After 9/11 Attacks

10 September 2011 President Obama : Coming Together as One Nation to Remember   President Obama marks the tenth anniversary of the September 11th attacks and pays tribute to the first responders, those serving our nation in the military, and those who lost their lives on that tragic day.

08 September 2011 President Obama On The American Jobs Act   President Obama: “The purpose of the American Jobs Act is simple: to put more people back to work and more money in the pockets of those who are working.”
 • The White House blog : The American Jobs Act
 • Fact Sheet: The American Jobs Act

30 August 2011 President Obama’s Message on Occasion of Eid al-Fitr

22 August 2011 Readout of the President's Call with Prime Minister Cameron of the UK   The President and Prime Minister Cameron spoke today about the evolving situation in Libya.  They agreed that the situation had reached a tipping point and that Qadhafi needed to relinquish power once and for all.
 • Statement by President Obama on Libya

22 August 2011 President Obama on Latest Events in Libya  "Tonight, the momentum against the Qadhafi regime has reached a tipping point. Tripoli is slipping from the grasp of a tyrant. The Qadhafi regime is showing signs of collapsing. The people of Libya are showing that the universal pursuit of dignity and freedom is far stronger than the iron fist of a dictator."

18 August 2011 President Obama on Syria's President Assad   Today, President Obama called for the President of Syria, Bashar al-Assad, to step aside and took the strongest financial action action against the Syrian regime thus far.
 • Fact Sheet on Syria (Whitehouse.gov)

13 August 2011 Summary of Obama’s Call with U.K. Prime Minister Cameron  The President and Prime Minister Cameron spoke today, continuing their frequent and close consultations on global matters of mutual interest.

11 August 2011 Obama, Bernanke Discuss Economic Recovery as Growth Lags  President Obama and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke talked at the White House on the state of the U.S. economy as financial indicators continue to show slower-than-expected economic growth.

10 August 2011 President Obama Honors American Muslims at White House Iftar   President Obama, continuing the White House tradition of hosting a dinner in recognition of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, told guests the United States will continue to stand for a society where people have the right to worship as they chose.
  • President Obama's remarks at White House Iftar

08 August 2011 President Obama's Remarks on U.S. Credit Rating 

07 August 2011 Summary of President Obama’s Calls on Afghanistan  President Obama received a call today from President Karzai of Afghanistan, who reiterated his condolences for the tragic loss of 30 American service-members yesterday in Afghanistan.

01 August 2011 Statement by the President on the Occasion of Ramadan President Obama wishes Muslims around the world a blessed month.

25 July 2011 A Balanced Approach President Obama says that both parties have a responsibility to solve the debt problem.

23 July 2011 Weekly Address: A Bipartisan Approach to Strengthening the Economy President Obama discussed the urgency of Democrats and Republicans coming together to take a balanced approach to cutting the deficit to strengthen the economy.

19 July 2011 Remarks by the President on the Status of Efforts to Find a Balanced Approach to Deficit Reduction

11 July 2011 Press Conference by the President  President Obama held a press conference to give an update on the ongoing efforts to tackle the U.S. national debt and deficit.

09 July 2011 President Obama on U.S. Recognition of South Sudan’s Independence
  • U.S. Recognizes South Sudan, Pledges Steadfast Partnership
  • Secretary Clinton on Independence Day for South Sudan

30 June 2011 President Obama at Armed Forces Farewell for Defense Secretary Gates

29 June 2011 U.S. Goals in Afghanistan Are Meeting with Success, Obama Says  President Obama says the U.S. mission in Afghanistan will be successful if U.S. forces leave behind a country where the Afghan government and people can provide for their own security, and al-Qaida is unable to attack the United States, its allies or its overseas interests.

22 June 2011 Remarks by the President on the Way Forward in Afghanistan  President Obama addressed the nation about the way forward in Afghanistan and his plan to remove 10,000 American troops from Afghanistan by the end of this year, and a total of 33,000 by next summer.

22 June 2011 Statement from President Obama on Sudan 

20 June 2011 Obama: U.S. Committed to Remain Top Choice for Foreign Investors  President Obama says the United States is committed to remaining “the most attractive place for businesses to locate, invest, grow and create jobs” as a new study finds that foreign direct investment in the United States jumped 49 percent from 2009 to 2010.

15 June 2011 Letter from President Obama on the War Powers Resolution  

07 June 2011 Obama Supports Second Term for U.N.'s Ban Ki-moon  President Obama supports U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s bid for a second term as head of the world’s largest international organization, said the White House.  At a June 6 press conference, Ban formally announced he was seeking a second five-year term.

President Obama's State Visit to the UK

More Policy News

19 May 2011 Remarks by the President on the Middle East and North Africa  Speaking at the U.S. State Department in Washington DC, President Obama lays out his vision for a new chapter in American diplomacy as calls for reform and democracy spread across the Middle East and North Africa.
 • Secretary Clinton's Introductory Remarks for President Obama's Speech
 • FACT SHEET: "A Moment of Opportunity" in the Middle East and North Africa

13 May 2011 Presidential Proclamation on World Trade Week

11 May 2011 Obama: Immigration Reform Will Strengthen U.S. Security, Economy  President Obama says the ultimate solution for fixing an immigration system that penalizes immigrants and citizens alike is comprehensive reform that strengthens the nation’s security, economy and global competitiveness.

11 May 2011 Speech by President Obama on Immigration and Border Security 

09 May 2011 Obama Says Benefits Outweighed Risks in Getting bin Laden   President Obama said he ordered the commando raid that ended with the death of al-Qaida terrorist leader and mass murderer Osama bin Laden knowing that deadly force might be necessary for the man who had eluded justice for a decade after the September 11, 2001, attack on the United States that killed nearly 3,000 people from almost 90 nations.

05 May 2011 President Obama Visits New York City, Ground Zero  In New York City this afternoon, there was a profound mix of old grief and perhaps some new closure just a few days after the death of somebody responsible for such immense suffering in that city.   The President didn’t speak as he laid a wreath at the National September 11th Memorial. And he kept it private when he met with 9/11 family members afterwards.  But speaking separately to police officers from the city and firefighters at the "Pride of Midtown" Firehouse, Engine 54, Ladder 4, Battalion 9 -- which lost 15 firefighters at the World Trade Center on 9/11 -- the President had messages for all of America.
 • Remarks at "Pride of Midtown" Firehouse, Engine 54, Ladder 4, Battalion 9
 • Remarks to Police Officers in New York, New York

02 May 2011 Obama Calls Death of bin Laden an Act of Justice  President Obama says the death of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden allows the world to tell the families of bin Laden’s victims: “Justice has been done.”   U.S. forces killed bin Laden in a firefight, part of a raid on his compound in Pakistan early on May 2, Pakistani time. In announcing the death, Obama called bin Laden “a terrorist who’s responsible for the murder of thousands of innocent men, women, and children.”

01 May 2011 Remarks By The President on Osama Bin Laden

20 April 2011 Remarks by the President at a Facebook Town Hall   Facebook Headquarters, Palo Alto, California.

15 April 2011 President Obama Releases the National Strategy for Trusted Identities in Cyberspace

14 April 2011 Libya’s Pathway to Peace  Joint Op-ed by President Obama, Prime Minister Cameron and President Sarkozy 

09 April 2011 President Obama's Statement on the Bipartisan Agreement on the Budget   Transcript of President Obama's remarks via www.Whitehouse.gov 

05 April 2011 Obama Says Côte d’Ivoire’s Gbagbo Must Give Up Power
 • Statement by President Obama on Situation in Côte d’Ivoire

02 April 2011 Energy Security Can Only Come If We Invest in Cleaner Fuels and Greater Efficiency In his weekly address, President Obama discussed his strategy to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and secure our nation’s energy future.  When the President was elected, America imported eleven million barrels of oil a day.  This week he announced a bold, but achievable goal of cutting this number by one-third by 2025.

30 March 2011 Obama Announces New Energy Security Measures  The United States will begin an effort to reduce its dependence on imported oil by a third over 10 years by increasing domestic energy production, increasing the use of biofuels and natural gas, and improving the fuel efficiency of U.S.-built cars and trucks, President Obama says.
 • Fact Sheet on U.S. Energy Security

28 March 2011 Remarks by the President in Address to the Nation on Libya  
 • Obama's Videoconference with Three European Leaders

26 March 2011 The President's Weekly Address: The Military Mission in Libya
 • Read transcript 

20 March 2011 Obama Meets with Top Aides on Libya  President Obama held a conference call with top national security advisers March 20 to discuss the international effort to enforce a no-fly zone over Libya to stop Libyan military forces from attacking civilians, the White House says.

19 March 2011 International Coalition Strikes at Libyan Military  President Obama said March 19 that U.S. Navy and coalition ships and submarines have launched missiles against Libyan military forces to support an international coalition to stop attacks on Libyan civilians.

18 March  2011  Remarks by the President on the Situation in Libya
  • Secretary Clinton on Libya and UN Resolution 1973
  • Paris Summit for the Support to the Libyan People: Communique

17 March 2011 Readout of President Obama’s Calls with Prime Minister Cameron and President Sarkozy 

14 March 2011 For Globetrotting Presidents, Air Force One Provides Perfect Ride   It is unquestionably the most exclusive ride in the world: the gleaming, blue-and-white jumbo jet that answers to the call signal Air Force One. It’s an American icon, as recognizable as the Statue of Liberty or the Grand Canyon — the airplane that will take President Obama on his second journey to Latin America March 19.

08 March 2011 Readout of the President’s call with Prime Minister Cameron of the United Kingdom

07 March 2011 Statement by President Barack Obama: New Actions on Guantanamo Bay and Detainee Policy
  • Fact Sheet: Guantanamo and Detainee Policy (PDF - 36Kb)
  • Executive Order on Periodic Review (PDF - 24Kb)

02 March 2011 Obama on Shooting of American Service Members in Germany

01 March 2011 White House Releases First Comprehensive Federal Report on the Status of American Women in Almost 50 Years
 • President Obama’s Proclamation on Women’s History Month

28 February 2011 President Obama on the 50th Anniversary of the Peace Corps
 • YouTube : Happy 50th Birthday Peace Corps !
 • Secretary Clinton's Remarks at the Reception Marking the 50th Anniversary of the Peace Corps

27 February 2011 Obama Calls for Libya’s Qadhafi to Leave Power Now  President Obama calls on Libya’s leader, Muammar Qadhafi, to leave power now, saying that he and his government must be held accountable for violating the human rights and brutalization of the Libyan people.

24 February  2011 Readout of President Obama's Calls with President Sarkozy of France, Prime Minister Cameron of the United Kingdom and Prime Minister Berlusconi of Italy

23 February 2011 Remarks by the President on Libya 

17 February 2011 President and Mrs. Obama to Visit the UK  President and Mrs. Obama have accepted the invitation of Her Majesty the Queen, and will travel to the United Kingdom for a state visit on May 24-26 .

15 February 2011 Obama Urges Mideast Leaders to Be Proactive in Reforms  Noting the political unrest that has spread from Tunisia to Egypt and elsewhere in the region, President Obama says young people are seeking better opportunities and ways to improve their lives. He urges governments in the region to “get out ahead of change” and respond to their peoples’ aspirations in a manner that doesn’t lead to violence.

15 February 2011 Press Conference by President Obama on U.S. Budget, Middle East

12 February 2011 Summary of President Obama's Calls to Discuss Egypt

11 February 2011 President and Mrs. Obama to Visit the UK  The President and Mrs. Obama have accepted the invitation of Her Majesty the Queen, and will travel to the United Kingdom for a state visit on May 24-26, 2011.  Buckingham Palace have released this press release.

11 February 2011 President Obama's Remarks on Egypt  President Obama said the Egyptian people have inspired the world through their nonviolent struggle to change their country’s government.

10 February 2011 Statement of President Barack Obama on Egypt The President releases a statement saying "the Egyptian government must put forward a credible, concrete and unequivocal path toward genuine democracy, and they have not yet seized that opportunity."

28 January  2011  Remarks by the President on the Situation in Egypt  "My administration has been closely monitoring the situation in Egypt, and I know that we will be learning more tomorrow when day breaks.  As the situation continues to unfold, our first concern is preventing injury or loss of life.  So I want to be very clear in calling upon the Egyptian authorities to refrain from any violence against peaceful protestors. 
  The people of Egypt have rights that are universal.  That includes the right to peaceful assembly and association, the right to free speech, and the ability to determine their own destiny.  These are human rights.  And the United States will stand up for them everywhere.  
   I also call upon the Egyptian government to reverse the actions that they’ve taken to interfere with access to the Internet, to cell phone service and to social networks that do so much to connect people in the 21st century.
  At the same time, those protesting in the streets have a responsibility to express themselves peacefully.  Violence and destruction will not lead to the reforms that they seek."

26 January 2011 Obama Outlines Ambitious Energy Agenda  Continued heavy investment in clean energy is necessary to help the United States transition to a stronger and more sustainable economy, President Obama said in his January 25 State of the Union address to Congress.  With more research and incentives, the United States can be the first country that has 1 million electric vehicles on the road five years from now, he said. A quarter century from now, the country should be able to get 80 percent of its electricity from wind, solar, biomass, natural gas and nuclear plants, he added.

25 January 2011 Obama Urges Americans to Meet 21st Century Challenges  In the annual State of the Union address, President Obama urged American lawmakers to support innovative research and educational opportunities as a means of maintaining U.S. economic competitiveness and ensuring its progress in the 21st century. “This is our generation’s Sputnik moment,” the president said January 25 in his address to a joint session of Congress. He was referring to the rapid American technological and scientific response that created the U.S. space program and new economic opportunities after the Soviet Union launched the first satellite into space in 1957. As a result of its quick mobilization, the United States became the first nation to put a man on the moon in 1969.
 • President Obama's State of the Union Address
 • Fact Sheet: Obama's Plan to Win the Future

24 January 2011 Obama Condemns "Outrageous" Moscow Attack  President Obama strongly condemned the bombing of Moscow's busiest airport, calling the attack an "outrageous act of terrorism against the Russian people."

20 January 2011 Remarks by the President at the 50th Anniversary of John F. Kennedy's Inauguration

17 January 2011 Remarks by President Obama on Martin Luther King's Birthday

10 January 2011 Obama Urges Peaceful Sudanese Referendum Vote  President Obama praised the timely start of the referendum on self-determination for southern Sudan and urged all sides to refrain from intimidation, coercion or violence and to allow voters to freely and peaceably express their will.

2010 Articles

18 December 2010 Obama's Letter to Senate on Missile Defense and New START

16 December 2010 Obama: "Significant Progress" in Afghanistan and Pakistan  President Obama says there is significant progress in Afghanistan and Pakistan toward the core U.S. goal of disrupting, dismantling and defeating violent extremists and that while in some areas the gains are "fragile and reversible," more Afghans are reclaiming their communities from the Taliban.
 • Statement by the President on the Afghanistan-Pakistan Annual Review
 • Overview of the Afghanistan-Pakistan Annual Review (PDF, 40Kb)

15 December 2010 Terror Attack on Iranian Mosque "Disgraceful," Obama Says   President Obama denounced a bombing attack targeting Iranian civilians in Chabahar as "disgraceful and cowardly" and said that those who carried out the attack "must be held accountable."

13 December 2010 Statement by President Obama on Richard Holbrooke

10 December 2010 Statement by President Obama on the Awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize

28 November 2010 Statement by the White House Press Secretary on Wikileaks

23 November 2010 Presidential Proclamation for Thanksgiving Day 2010

20 November 2010 Obama, NATO Sign Afghan Power Transfer Plan  President Obama has joined NATO allies in a formal agreement to transfer security control of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces to Afghan forces starting in 2011.  Speaking to reporters November 20 in Lisbon, Portugal, at the end of the 2010 NATO Summit, Obama said the transition of security forces would begin in July, with a target of completion by the end of 2014. He said the plan, proposed by Afghan President Hamid Karzai, was endorsed by NATO partners.

20 November 2010 Statement by President Obama After EU-U.S. Summit in Lisbon

20 November 2010 Obama's Press Conference After NATO Summit in Lisbon

19 November 2010 Obama Praises U.S.-Europe Relations   President Obama praised the U.S.-European relationship for its deep cooperation and close ties as he arrived in Lisbon, Portugal, for the 2010 NATO Summit and U.S.–European Union Summit. “With no other region does the United States have such a close alignment of values, interests, capabilities and goals,” Obama wrote in an editorial for the International Herald Tribune November 19.
 • President Obama: 'Europe and America, Aligned for the Future'   Op-ed text

17 November 2010 The Obama Administration's European Agenda  Remarks at the Atlantic Council by Philip Gordon, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs.

15 November 2010  Statement by the President on Hajj and Eid-ul-Adha  "Michelle and I extend our greetings for a happy Eid-ul-Adha to Muslims worldwide and wish safe travels to those performing Hajj.  This year, nearly three million pilgrims from more than 160 countries - including the United States - have gathered in Mecca and neighboring sites to perform the Hajj rituals and stand together in prayer".

12 November 2010  G20 Agrees on Ways to Prevent Future Economic Crisis  The Group of 20 (G20) major economies have agreed to implement tighter financial regulations designed to help prevent the types of investment and trading practices that led to the global financial crisis, and they pledged to achieve more sustainable and balanced economic growth.

12 November 2010 President Obama's Press Conference Following G20 Meetings

11 November 2010 Remarks by President Obama, China’s Hu Jintao Before Meeting

09 November 2010 President Obama's Speech in Jakarta, Indonesia  Remarks of President Barack Obama at the University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia.

09 November 2010  Indonesia: Follow-Up To The President’s Cairo Speech  In Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, the vision the President articulated in his June 2009 speech in Cairo is flourishing.  There continues to be significant progress in the areas of science and technology, entrepreneurship, education and exchanges, regional democracy promotion, and interfaith dialogue.  The burgeoning U.S. Comprehensive Partnership with Indonesia embodies how the United States is implementing the President’s vision for a New Beginning.

08 November 2010 Remarks by the President to the Joint Session of the Indian Parliament in New Delhi, India. President Obama said that "... with India assuming its rightful place in the world, we have an historic opportunity to make the relationship between our two countries a defining partnership of the century ahead."
 • The U.S. - India Partnership: the fact sheets

06 November 2010 Obama Praises India's Resolve Against Terrorism  President Obama paid tribute to terror victims and the resilience of Indian society in the face of security threats, and said the United States and India are cooperating more closely than ever against terrorism.

05 November 2010 Proclamation by President Obama on Veterans Day 2010  "On Veterans Day, we come together to pay tribute to the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. Americans across this land commemorate the patriots who have risked their lives to preserve the liberty of our Nation, the families who support them, and the heroes no longer with us. It is not our weapons or our technology that make us the most advanced military in the world; it is the unparalleled spirit, skill, and devotion of our troops. As we honor our veterans with ceremonies on this day, let our actions strengthen the bond between a Nation and her warriors."  The United States will celebrate Veteran's Day on Thursday, 11 November 2010.

03 November 2010 Midterms Show Voters Still Worried About Economy, Obama Says   Reacting to the 2010 midterm elections November 2 that resulted in the Democratic Party losing control of the House of Representatives, slimming its majority in the Senate and losing some gubernatorial contests, President Obama said American voters had sent a message that they are frustrated with the state of the U.S. economy and acknowledged he had not made as much progress as he had hoped on several domestic concerns.
• Press Conference by President Obama on Midterm Elections

02 November 2010 Strengthening Global Economy Tops APEC, G20 Agendas  Fostering global economic growth through the Group of 20 (G20) advanced economies is fundamental to a lasting recovery at home, says a senior Obama administration official.  Economic policy figures strongly in President Obama’s final two stops of a four-nation Asian trip .

30 October 2010 Readout of the President’s Call with Prime Minister David Cameron on the terrorist plot
 • Statement by the President on the Security Alert [Whitehouse.gov video]
 • Summary of President Obama’s Call with Saudi King Abdullah

18 October 2010 Readout of President Obama's call with Prime Minister David Cameron  The Prime Minister briefed the President on the U.K. National Security Strategy that was published today and they discussed the Strategic Defense and Security Review that the U.K. government will announce tomorrow.

15 October 2010 Presidential Proclamation on National Breast Cancer Awareness Month   While considerable progress has been made in the fight against breast cancer, it remains the most frequently diagnosed type of non skin cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in our country. 

11 October 2010 Readout of the President's Call with Prime Minister Cameron of the United Kingdom  The President called Prime Minister Cameron to offer his deepest condolences for the death of Linda Norgrove, whose service in Afghanistan represented her extraordinary commitment to advance the lives of others.

08 October 2010 Statement by the President on the Awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Liu Xiaobo 

24 September 2010 Obama Chastises Ahmadinejad, Challenges Iran to Change Course  A day after an inflammatory speech in New York by Iran's president, President Obama is offering Iranians a scenario for better relations with the U.S., an end to sanctions and a role to play from the Palestinian Territories to Afghanistan.  The common thread: Iran's government must choose a more responsible path.

24 September 2010 President Obama's Interview with BBC Persian  Interview of President Obama by Bahman Kalbasi, BBC Persian

23 September 2010 Remarks by President Obama to the United Nations General Assembly The President spoke of the challenges facing America, the world, and particularly Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

17 September 2010 Obama U.N. Speech to Address Extreme Poverty   President Obama will talk about eradicating extreme global poverty when he address a high-level meeting of world leaders during the opening of the 65th U.N. General Assembly in New York, a senior U.S. diplomat says.

11 September 2010 Remarks by the President at the Pentagon Memorial President Obama says ".. this is a day of remembrance, a day of reflection, and -- with God’s grace -- a day of unity and renewal."

10 September 2010 White House Press Conference by President Obama The President discussed the U.S. economy, religious diversity, and the September 11 anniversary.

09 September 2010  Statement by the President on the Occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr

09 September 2010 Obama Condemns Plans to Burn the Quran  President Obama said that a plan by a small Florida church to burn copies of the Quran, the Muslim holy book, on September 11 is contrary to American values of religious freedom and tolerance of all faiths and religions.

07 September  2010 Readout of the President's Call with Prime Minister Cameron of the United Kingdom

06 September 2010 Remarks by President Obama at Laborfest in Milwaukee, Wisconsin  Obama: The Fight for America's Workers Continues.

01 September 2010 Remarks by President Obama, Four Mideast Leaders  Leaders speak on eve of direct Israeli-Palestinian negotiations.

01 September 2010 Remarks by Obama and Netanyahu After Their Meeting   Obama says U.S. is unwavering in its support of Israel's security

01 September 2010 Obama Welcomes Netanyahu, Abbas to the White House  President Obama welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to the White House for brief consultations before the two leaders meet later to begin direct peace talks.

31 August 2010 President Obama on End of U.S. Combat Mission in Iraq  Iraqi people now have responsibility for security of their country.
 • President Obama Talks to U.S. Soldiers About Iraq
 • Facts and Figures on U.S. Troop Drawdown in Iraq
 • U.S. Civilian Engagement with Iraq
 • Examples of U.S.-Iraqi Partnerships

30 August 2010 Remarks by President Obama on the Economy  Acknowledges that the economy remains extremely fragile.

29 August 2010 President Obama Marks Fifth Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina  Obama vows to stand with Gulf Coast and fight until the job is done.

13 August 2010 President Obama’s Iftar Remarks “Ramadan is a reminder that Islam has always been part of America,” he says.

11 August 2010 Message from President Obama on Occasion of Ramadan President Obama wishes Muslims around the world a blessed month during Ramadan.

03 August 2010 President Obama’s Town Hall at Young African Leaders Forum
 • Fact Sheet: The President's Engagement in Africa (White House)

02 August 2010 U.S. Is Meeting Pledge to End Combat Missions in Iraq  President Obama says his administration is on track to fulfill its promise of ending U.S. combat operations in Iraq by August 31.  U.S. forces are transitioning to a role of supporting and training Iraqi security personnel and the United States is turning its focus toward civilian efforts in the country.
 • President Obama on the End of Combat Operations in Iraq

30 July 2010 Obama Hosts Young African Leaders August 3–5  President Obama is convening a first-ever, three-day conference in August with more than 100 young leaders from a cross section of African life to examine how they see Africa’s future over the next half century, and to help craft innovative solutions to regional challenges.
 • The President's Forum with Young African Leaders

20 July 2010 Remarks by President Obama and Prime Minister Cameron in Joint Press Availability  President Obama says that the U.S. and the UK "enjoy a truly special relationship. We celebrate a common heritage. We cherish common values."
 • Watch the video of the meeeting

20 July 2010 President Obama and Prime Minister Cameron, in Words and Photos (White House blog)

20 July 2010 Obama, Cameron Reaffirm Commitment to Afghanistan    A key component for peace in Afghanistan is to build the country’s capacity so that its security forces "can take responsibility for their future," President Obama said after meeting with British Prime Minister David Cameron at the White House.  At a joint press conference Obama and Cameron said they both agree that the right strategy is twofold: break the former Taliban regime’s insurgency and build Afghan capacity.

15 July 2010 Remarks by the President on the Passage of Financial Regulatory Reform President Obama says that the bill will bring greater economic security to families and businesses across the country.

14 July 2010 Obama Offers Redoubled U.S. Support for Africa Against Terror  President Obama said the United States will redouble its cooperation with Uganda and other African Union members against the Somali terror group al-Shabaab to try to ensure that it and similar organizations “are not able to kill Africans with impunity.”

14 July 2010 Interview of President Obama by the South African Broadcasting Corporation

13 July 2010 Obama Expresses Support for Palestinian President’s Leadership  President Obama recently spoke with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas about progress in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian indirect or "proximity" talks that are designed to lead to negotiations for a peace agreement and Palestinian statehood, the White House said.

16 June 2010 Obama Vows to Fight Oil Spill “With Everything We’ve Got”  President Obama told Americans his administration will fight the Gulf of Mexico oil spill “with everything we’ve got for as long as it takes,” and that he will tell BP executives to set aside money for an independently administered compensation fund for businesses and workers harmed by the spill. Obama also urged Americans to accelerate the country’s transition to a clean energy economy.

16 June 2010 Obama's Letter to G20 Leaders on Upcoming Meetings in Toronto  President looks forward to working collectively to renew global economy.

15 June 2010 Remarks by President Obama to the Nation on the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill (White House)

09 June 2010 Obama on U.N. Security Council Resolution on Iran Sanctions  Says Iran has failed to live up to its obligations under NPT.

06 June The Ongoing Administration-Wide Response to the Deepwater BP Oil Spill (White House)

04 June 2010 Obama Postpones Asia Visit with “Deep Regret”  President Obama has had to postpone for a second time his planned trip to Australia and Indonesia in order to oversee continuing efforts to stop a massive oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico and clean up the environmental damage.

01 June 2010 Obama Expresses Concern, Regret over Israeli Ship Raid   President Obama supports a U.N. Security Council statement that condemns an Israeli raid on a humanitarian aid flotilla headed for Gaza and calls for a full investigation, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs says.

28 May 2010 Obama: We Will Stop Gulf Oil Leak  President Obama said the oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico is a tragedy that is difficult to stop, but the U.S. government is exploring all reasonable strategies in an effort to plug the leak and mitigate the ecological and economic damage. Speaking to reporters at a White House press conference, Obama said the federal government is overseeing the actions taken by British Petroleum to plug the leak at its offshore well, saying government officials are “authorized to direct BP in the same way that they’d be authorized to direct those same teams if they were technically being paid by the federal government.”

27 May 2010 President Obama Releases New National Security Strategy
• National Security Strategy [PDF 1.5MB]
• President Obama’s Introduction to National Security Strategy Report
• White House Fact Sheet: Actions in Support of Obama’s National Security Strategy
• Overview of 2010 National Security Strategy Report
• Remarks By Secretary Clinton On the Obama Administration's National Security Strategy

27 May 2010 Remarks by President Obama on Gulf Oil Spill

27 May 2010 U.S. Men’s World Cup Team Receives Presidential Send-Off

22 May 2010 Remarks by President Obama at the U.S. Military Academy, West Point

12 May 2010 Obama Offers Support for Afghan Peace Jirga  President Obama expressed support for the Afghan government’s planned consultative peace jirga aimed at discussing how to reconcile Taliban fighters with the rest of the country, describing the national council as “an important milestone that America supports.”

11 May 2010 Statement by the President on his call with Prime Minister Cameron of the United Kingdom

10 May 2010 Message from Obama on Peaceful Nuclear Agreement with Russia  Resubmits proposed agreement by U.S. and Russia for congressional review.

08 May 2010 Obama's Interview on Channel Rossiya, Russian TV  Discusses Russian-American relations, the New START Treaty and Iran.

02 May 2010 Remarks by President Obama on Oil Spill  President Obama promises help as disaster worsens

29 April 2010 President Obama Announces Exchange Programs Focused On Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Science (PDF, 123KB)

26 April 2010 Remarks by the President at the Presidential Summit on Entrepreneurship

12 April 2010 Remarks by the President at the Opening Plenary Session of the Nuclear Security Summit 

29 March 2010 Obama Makes Surprise Visit to Afghanistan to Honor Troops  President Obama made his first trip to Afghanistan as commander in chief March 28, using his surprise visit to honor U.S., Afghan and international troops and to meet with Afghan President Hamid Karzai to discuss anti-corruption efforts, energy and agricultural production and other civilian issues.

26 March 2010 Remarks by the President on the Announcement of New START Treaty

20 March 2010 Remarks of President Obama Marking Nowruz  President Obama extends best wishes to all who are celebrating Nowruz in the United States and around the world and also discusses U.S. relations with Iran.

07 March 2010 President Obama’s Remarks on Iraqi National Election  Obama says today’s vote is clear, future of Iraq belongs to people of Iraq.

05 March 2010 Statement by President Obama on the 40th Anniversary of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty  "Forty years ago today, in the midst of a Cold War, the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) entered into force, becoming the cornerstone of the world’s efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.  Today, the threat of global nuclear war has passed, but the danger of nuclear proliferation endures, making the basic bargain of the NPT more important than ever: nations with nuclear weapons will move toward disarmament, nations without nuclear weapons will forsake them, and all nations have an “inalienable right” to peaceful nuclear energy. Each of these three pillars -- disarmament, nonproliferation and peaceful uses -- are central to the vision that I outlined in Prague of stopping the spread of nuclear weapons and seeking a world without them."

18 February 2010 Remarks from First Lady Michelle Obama Meeting with British Essay Contest Winners  First Lady Michelle Obama met with ten students from schools across the London borough of Islington today. The visit to the White House is part of a tour of Washington D.C. funded by the American Embassy for the winners of a Black History Month essay competition held in the Islington secondary schools.
 • Related clips from news organizations: Sky News and  BBC News
 • Photos from the event (FCO on Flickr)
 • First Lady Michelle Obama to Meet London Students at the White House

18 February 2010 First Lady Michelle Obama to Meet London Students at the White House  The American Embassy in London is pleased to announce that First Lady Michelle Obama will meet with ten students from schools across the London borough of Islington today. The visit to the White House is part of a tour of Washington D.C. funded by the American Embassy for the winners of a Black History Month essay competition held in the Islington secondary schools.

13 February 2010 President Obama’s Remarks to U.S.-Islamic World Forum  U.S. seeks new partnerships in Muslim communities around the world.

02 February 2010 Sudan Tops Foreign Policy Concerns in Obama YouTube Appearance  While President Obama was delivering his first State of the Union address, thousands of Americans went online and submitted their own questions via the popular video Web site YouTube. People could also vote on the 11,000 questions that were sent in, and on February 1, Obama — who had not seen them in advance — responded to the questions with the highest approval ratings. His responses streamed live from the White House.

01 February 2010 2011 U.S. Budget Would Increase Security and Development Aid  When President Obama foreshadowed his budget priorities for the 2011 fiscal year, which begins in October, he stressed the importance of U.S. domestic concerns such as job creation, but he also said there would not be cuts to national security programs. The $52.8 billion budget request for the State Department unveiled February 1 reflects a $4.6 billion increase from fiscal year 2010 levels, with an emphasis on ongoing programs in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq, as well as global development programs to provide humanitarian, health and economic assistance around the world.
 • Remarks by the President on the Fiscal Year 2011 Budget (Whitehouse.gov)
 • Factsheet on the FY 2011 Budget (via GPO.gov, PDF, 69KB)

More details on the FY 2011 budget including online download links are on the Federal Budget section of our Economy page.

27 January 2010 Remarks by The President In State of the Union Address (redirects to our State of the Union section)  

18 January 2010 U.S. Government Haiti Earthquake Disaster Response Update  On January 12, a massive earthquake struck the nation of Haiti, causing catastrophic damage inside and around the capital city of Port-au-Prince.  President Obama has promised the people of Haiti that "you will not be forsaken, you will not be forgotten." The United States Government has mobilized resources and manpower to aid in the relief effort.  Below please find some key facts and examples of government actions to date.  All numbers below are accurate as of noon, Monday, January 18.

18 January 2010 U.S., International Community Conquering Problems to Help Haiti  Tons of food, water and medical supplies are reaching the survivors of last week’s earthquake in Haiti and U.S. military personnel are on the ground to speed the distribution of aid and maintain security.

15 January 2010 Secretary Clinton Announces Launch of State.Gov Person Finder Tool for Those Missing in Haiti  Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton announced today the launch of a new tool on www.state.gov, the “Person Finder,” to allow people to find and share information on missing loved ones in Haiti. The tool can be found at http://www.state.gov/haitiquake.

18 January 2010 Proclamation by President Obama on the Martin Luther King, Jr., Federal Holiday, 2010

14 January 2010 Remarks by the President on the Recovery Efforts in Haiti

13 January 2010 Remarks by the President on Rescue Efforts in Haiti

07 January 2010 Obama Announces Enhanced Airline Security Measures  The United States is strengthening airline security measures and taking other corrective actions in the aftermath of a thwarted terrorist attack on a Detroit-bound flight on Christmas Day, announced President Obama. Obama outlined four areas that two top-level reviews have indicated need correcting to prevent a similar incident from happening. However, part of the problem, the president said, is that the U.S. intelligence community had sufficient information about the alleged terrorist and the possibility of an attack, but because of lapses and miscues, authorities did not intercept him before he boarded a flight to the United States from Europe.
 • Remarks by the President on Strengthening Intelligence and Aviation Security
 • Read the summary of the security review (White House, PDF, 405KB)
 • Read the President's Directive on corrective actions (White House, PDF, 153KB)

07 January 2010  Background Briefing Following Security Review  Background Briefing by Senior State Department Officials following release of Security Review conducted after the failed Christmas terrorist attack.

05 January 2010 Intelligence Not Fully Analyzed Before Airline Attack, Obama Says  President Obama says a Nigerian man affiliated with al-Qaida in the Arabia Peninsula was able to board a U.S.-bound flight with explosives on December 25, 2009, because U.S. intelligence officials had failed to “connect the dots” of information that could have prevented him from being allowed onto the aircraft.

2009 Articles

07 January 2009 Background Briefing Following Security Review  Background Briefing by Senior State Department Officials following release of Security Review conducted after the failed Christmas terrorist attack.

05 January 2010 Intelligence Not Fully Analyzed Before Airline Attack, Obama Says  President Obama says a Nigerian man affiliated with al-Qaida in the Arabia Peninsula was able to board a U.S.-bound flight with explosives on December 25, 2009, because U.S. intelligence officials had failed to “connect the dots” of information that could have prevented him from being allowed onto the aircraft.

31 December 2009 Obama Adapts New Foreign Policy During First Year in White House   In his first year in office, President Obama tackled an impressive array of foreign policy challenges, adapting a response focusing more on cooperation than confrontation, say foreign affairs specialists. Threats to world peace ranging from nuclear proliferation to war in Afghanistan are being handled “remarkably well” by Obama, says Zbigniew Brzezinski, President Jimmy Carter’s national security adviser from 1977 to 1981.

31 December 2009 Observers Hail Obama’s Early Focus on Africa, Asia, Americas  While President Obama is building international consensus on pressing issues like climate change and nuclear nonproliferation, his administration’s focus on Africa, Asia and the Americas has not lagged, say foreign policy specialists who recently reviewed his first year in office.

29 December 209 President Obama on Review of Terrorist “Watchlisting System”  Directs examination of all intelligence on suspect in airliner attack.

29 December 2009 President Obama on Aviation Security Procedures  Directs immediate review of aviation screening technology.

29 December 2009 Statement by the President on Preliminary Information from his Ongoing Consultation about the Detroit Incident

29 December 2009 Obama: United States Doing Everything to Protect Americans President Obama says those responsible for the attempted Christmas Day attack on an American airliner will be held to account. In his first public comments on the incident, Obama also outlined additional steps to improve air safety. The president said many questions surround the attempted attack and that the search for answers is well under way. “A full investigation has been launched into this attempted act of terrorism. And we will not rest until we find all who were involved and hold them accountable,” he said.

19 December 2009 Statement by the President on Health Care and Climate Change   "There’s still much work left to be done, but not a lot of time left to do it. But today is a major step forward for the American people. After a nearly century long struggle we are on the cusp of making health care reform a reality in the United States of America."

19 December 2009 Remarks by President Obama on Copenhagen Agreement  “Meaningful and unprecedented breakthrough” to fight global warming

19 December 2009 Obama Calls Climate Change Accord an Important Milestone

18 December 2009 Remarks by President Barack Obama at Copenhagen Summit

15 December 2009 Presidential Memorandum--Closure of Dentention Facilities at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base

14 December 2009 Fact sheet: Clean Energy Technology Announcements  Today at the Copenhagen climate conference, on behalf of President Obama, Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced the launch of a new initiative to promote clean energy technologies in developing countries.  Secretary Chu also welcomed progress under the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate (MEF) and invited his counterparts in MEF and other countries to a first-ever Clean Energy Ministerial next year.

10 December 2009 Obama Accepts Nobel Prize with Call for Faith in Human Progress  With “deep gratitude and deep humility,” President Obama accepted the Nobel Peace Prize with an acknowledgement as the commander of a military involved in two wars that he and other world leaders are challenged to reconcile “two seemingly irreconcilable truths: that war is sometimes necessary, and war at some level is an expression of human folly.”

10 December 2009 A Just and Lasting Peace - Remarks of President Barack Obama at the acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway (as prepared for delivery).

10 December 2009 Remarks by President Obama and Prime Minister Stoltenberg of Norway during joint press availability

10 December 2009 Remarks by the President after Nobel Peace Prize signing ceremony

04 December 2009 Joint Statement by Presidents Obama, Medvedev on START Treaty. Both countries will continue to work in spirit of treaty after its expiration.

01 December 2009 The New Way Forward  Remarks by the President in Address to the Nation on the Way Forward in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
 • Fact Sheet : The Way Forward in Afghanistan and Pakistan
 •  Watch the President's Address (links to White House)

30 November 2009 Obama Addresses Afghanistan Strategy December 1st  President Obama will lay out his strategy for Afghanistan in a speech from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, according to White House press secretary Robert Gibbs. After meeting with his closest national security advisers nine times since July, the president will announce his plans for sending additional forces to Afghanistan, announce plans for enhanced training for the Afghan army and national police force, and make clear that this is not an indefinite commitment, according to White House officials over the past several weeks.

25 November 2009 Presidential Proclamation on World AIDS Day

25 November 2009 President Obama to Attend Copenhagen Climate Talks  The White House announced today that President Obama will travel to Copenhagen on the 9th of December to participate in the United Nations Climate Change Conference, where he is eager to work with the international community to drive progress toward a comprehensive and operational Copenhagen accord.

23 November 2009 Proclamation by the President for Thanksgiving Day 2009

17 November 2009 Joint Statement by President Obama, Chinese President Hu in China  Obama welcomes China as a strong, successful member of community of nations.

16 November 2009 Societies Free of Internet Censorship Are Stronger, Obama Says  The free flow of information on the Internet builds a stronger society, encourages creativity and helps people around the world participate in the political process and hold their governments accountable, President Obama told Chinese students in Shanghai. Speaking at a town hall meeting ahead of meetings with Chinese leaders in Beijing, Obama said he is “a big believer” in technology and openness and a “big supporter of noncensorship” even though it means that he finds himself the subject of constant criticism. In the United States, “the fact that we have free Internet or unrestricted Internet access is a source of strength,” and the president said open Internet use should be encouraged.

15 November 2009 President Obama’s Remarks at APEC Leaders’ Summit

09 November 2009 Obama: Iraq Election Law an “Important Milestone”  President Obama says the approval of a long-delayed election law by the Iraqi parliament is an important milestone. Obama says it helps clear the way for a planned withdrawal of American combat troops. Shortly after the Iraqi parliament approved the new election law, Obama went before reporters at the White House. “This is an important milestone as the Iraqi people continue to take responsibility for their future,” he said.

09 November 2009 Presidential Proclamation : World Freedom Day

07 November 2009 Statement of President Barack Obama on House Passage of the Affordable Health Care for America Act .
 • The White House : Health Care
 • The Obama Plan: Stability & Security For All Americans
 • White House blog History: The House Debates Health Reform

02 November 2009 Obama Congratulates Afghan President and Urges Internal Reforms President Obama has congratulated Afghan President Hamid Karzai on winning re-election but also called for a “new chapter” to improve Afghan governance and end corruption. Obama also cited a need to increase the ability of Afghan forces to provide security for their own country.

25 October 2009 Statement by the President on Today's Bombings in Baghdad, Iraq  "I strongly condemn these outrageous attacks on the Iraqi people, and send my deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones. These bombings serve no purpose other than the murder of innocent men, women and children, and they only reveal the hateful and destructive agenda of those who would deny the Iraqi people the future that they deserve. "

20 October 2009 Obama Lauds Afghan President’s Participation in Runoff Vote  Afghan President Hamid Karzai’s agreement to participate in a runoff vote for his country’s presidential election is "an important step forward" toward ensuring a credible electoral process and it strengthens Afghanistan’s democracy, President Obama says. Obama issued a statement October 20 welcoming Karzai’s decision, which came after the Independent Election Commission of Afghanistan determined that the incumbent president had received a majority of votes from the August 20 election, but at 49.67 percent had come just short of the 50 percent threshold needed to avoid a runoff vote. The second round voting has been scheduled for November 7.

20 October 2009 Obama Praises Democratic Advances in Iraq  President Obama praised the democratic commitment of the Iraqi people and their government as he also called for timely passage of a new election law for January 2010 parliamentary elections. Obama met with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki October 20 at the White House.

19 October 2009 Statement of President Barack Obama on Sudan Strategy

09 October 2009 Obama Wins Nobel Prize for Nuclear Disarmament, Multilateralism  Why did President Obama win the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize after only nine months in office? The Norwegian Nobel Committee cited Obama’s "extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples," particularly his work to rid the world of nuclear weapons.

09 October 2009 Remarks by the President on winning the Nobel Peace Prize

09 October 2009 President Obama wins 2009 Nobel Peace Prize (links to nobelprize.org)   Today, Friday, the Nobel Committee awarded President Obama the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize for "for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples".

01 October 2009 Obama Says Iran Talks "Constructive" but Need Follow-Up Action  President Obama says the first day of talks between Iran and representatives from the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council plus Germany (collectively known as the P5+1) were a "constructive beginning," but Iran's government needs to follow up pledges of cooperation with "constructive action."

01 October 2009 Obama Facing Critical Decisions in Afghanistan, Pakistan  President Obama met with his national security team in the White House Situation Room on September 30 to evaluate the progress that has been made and the challenges that lie ahead in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Among the challenges are recent U.S. public-opinion polling numbers that show declining support for continued U.S. military operations in Afghanistan.

01 October 2009 The Obamas Visit Copenhagen to Support Chicago’s Olympic Bid  President Obama will travel to Copenhagen, Denmark, to support Chicago's bid for the 2016 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games at the 121st International Olympic Committee Session, according to the White House. The president will depart Washington on October 1, arriving in Copenhagen on the morning of October 2 just before Chicago’s presentation to the IOC voting members. He will join his wife, Michelle Obama, who arrived in Copenhagen on September 30. Mrs. Obama is leading the U.S. delegation to the IOC session.

25 September 2009 Key Accomplishments of the Group of 20 Pittsburgh Summit  Countries to continue economic stimulus plans, reform financial regulation.

26 September 2009 President Affirms Commitment to International Cooperation in Strengthening Economy and Stopping Nuclear Proliferation

25 September 2009 Remarks by President Obama at G20 Closing Press Conference

24 September 2009 Remarks by the President at the UN Security Council Summit on Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Nuclear Disarmament

23 September 2009 Remarks by the President to the United Nations General Assembly

22 September 2009 Remarks by the President at UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon's Climate Change Summit

21 September 2009 President Obama Promotes Tougher Rules on Wall Street to Protect Consumers

20 September 2009 Statement by the President on the Occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr

17 September 2009 Remarks by the President on strengthening missile defense in Europe

17 September 2009 Obama Announces New Plan to Defend Europe from Iranian Missiles

10 September 2009 Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance, 2009

10 September 2009 Readout of the President's call with UK Prime Minister Brown  The President and Prime Minister Brown had a productive call earlier today on several issues on our shared strategic agenda. The two leaders discussed preparations for the upcoming G20 meeting in Pittsburgh, including the issues of growth and jobs. They discussed ways to reform international institutions to provide key international players a greater role.

10 September 2009 Obama Urges Congress to Pass Health Care Reform  The U.S. Congress is grappling with proposed legislation to substantially reform America's $2.5 trillion health care system, despite the daunting challenge posed by solutions that may conflict with one another. In a nationally televised address to a joint session of Congress September 9, President Obama implored representatives and senators to overcome doubts and considerable misinformation that has plagued debate on reform since earlier this year, and support his proposals. Five committees in the Senate and House of Representatives are considering comprehensive reform proposals and four have completed work on bills. The White House did not submit its own proposed legislation, but instead submitted its objectives.

09 September 2009 Excerpts of the President's Address to a Joint Session of Congress Tonight

08 September 2009 Address by President Obama to America's Schoolchildren  Obama focuses on responsibility, staying in school.

01 September 2009 Remarks by the President at Iftar Dinner

01 September 2009 Obama on 2009-H1N1 Flu Preparedness and Response  Flu vaccination program expected to begin soon.

26 August 2009 Presidential Proclamation on the Death Of Senator Edward Kennedy

26 August 2009 Statement from President Obama on the Death of Senator Edward Kennedy

21 August 2009 Remarks by the President on the Recent Elections in Afghanistan

21 August 2009 Ramadan Kareem    President Obama extends his best wishes to Muslim communities in the United States and around the world.

17 August 2009 Transcript of the President's Remarks at the annual VFW convention in Phoenix.  Terrorists who attacked the United States on Sept. 11, 2001, are plotting to do so again, so defeating them is “fundamental to the defense of our people,” President Barack Obama told veterans at the annual Veterans of Foreign Wars convention.

05 August 2009 President Obama’s Video Message to AGOA Forum  President Obama addresses the African Growth and Opportunity Act Forum in Nairobi, Kenya

22 July 2009 Obama Pledges Full Withdrawal of U.S. Forces from Iraq by 2011  Stating that the United States is in the midst of a transition to Iraqi responsibility, President Obama said all U.S. forces are on schedule to be fully withdrawn from Iraq by the end of 2011. "Violence continues to be down, and Iraqis are taking responsibility for their future," Obama said at an afternoon press conference at the White House with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. "The success of this transition is critically important to the security and prosperity of our people, and it is a top priority of my administration."

21 July 2009 Obama Letter on U.S.-India Civil Nuclear Cooperation Report  Report to Congress covers activities from October 4, 2008, to June 30, 2009.

17 July 2009 President Obama on July 17 Bombings in Indonesia  Obama condemns attacks in Jakarta and extends deepest condolences.

PRESIDENT OBAMA'S VISIT TO RUSSIA, ITALY and AFRICA, 6-11 JULY 2009

06 - 11 July 2009  Obama In Russia : A New Start  (an America.gov website)

11 July 2009 As Delivered Remarks by President to the Ghanaian Parliament

11 July 2009 Obama: Ghana Shows Democracy Can Thrive in Africa  Capping his historic visit to Ghana, President Obama told the Ghanaian people his visit to their country had been "particularly meaningful" and that Ghana sends a message to the world: "Democracy can thrive in Africa."

11 July 2009 President Obama's SMS Question Responses While in Ghana, Africa as part of his trip to Russia, Italy and Africa in July, President Obama invited questions regarding his Administration's policies towards Africa to be submitted via text, twitter and blogs. A panel of African journalists based in Washington was asked to select three questions for the President to respond to. Here are the President's responses to these questions.

10 July 2009 Press Conference by the President in L'Aquila, Italy

09 July 2009 G8 Nations Agree to Cut Carbon Emissions 80 Percent by 2050  The effects of climate change are putting every country at risk and no one nation can address it alone, President Obama says, adding that the United States and other developed countries have a responsibility to take the lead in reducing carbon pollution that is causing global temperatures to rise.

09 July 2009 Obama Calls for Global Nuclear Summit in March 2010  President Obama, at the G8 Summit in Italy, added another element to his goal of a nuclear-free world by calling for a global nuclear summit in March 2010, White House aides said. The purpose of the summit would be to achieve the highest levels of nuclear security, which the president believes is essential for enhanced international security and for the peaceful development and the global expansion of nuclear energy, said presidential aide Mark Lippert.

09 July 2009 White House Press Briefing by U.S. Officials in L'Aquila, Italy  Officials discuss upcoming Ghana visit, trade and security

09 July 2009 Meeting the International Clean Energy and Climate Change Challenges

09 July 2009 From the White House come the following statements and declarations (PDF's) from the Group of Eight meetings in L’Aquila, Italy:

 • L'Aquila Statement on Non-Proliferation (PDF 167KB)
 • G8 Economic Declaration (PDF 320KB)
 • Political Declaration (PDF 200KB)
 • G8 Declaration on Counter Terrorism (PDF 130KB)
 • G8 Preliminary Accountability Report (PDF 496KB)

08 July 2009 Addressing the Nuclear Threat: Fulfilling the Promise of Prague at the L'Aquila Summit

08 July 2009 G8 Leaders Focused on Global Economic Recovery Leaders of the Group of Eight major industrialized nations believe the outcome of the economic crisis is still uncertain and that significant risks remain to global economic and financial stability.

08 July 2009 G8 Leaders Urge Economic Action to Prevent Deeper Social Crisis  At a time of global economic turmoil, the leaders of the Group of Eight major industrialized nations say they will help developing nations to cope with the crisis.

08 July 2009 Remarks by President Obama and Italian President Napolitano  Discuss U.S. and Europe raising standards on financial institutions

08 July 2009 White House Press Gaggle En Route to Rome, Italy Press secretary Robert Gibbs briefs on Air Force One

08 July 2009 Joint Understanding by Obama, Medvedev on Missile Defense  Leaders outline elements in the START follow on treaty.

07 July 2009 Remarks by President Obama and Russian President Medvedev  Leaders to discuss bilateral relations and international issues.

07 July 2009 Remarks by President Obama and Russian Prime Minister Putin  Leaders to discuss U.S.-Russian relations

07 July 2009 Remarks by President Obama in Meeting with Opposition Leaders

07 July 2009 Remarks by the President at Parallel Business Summit

07 July 2009 Remarks by the President at Parallel Civil Society Summit

07 July 2009 Non-Nuclear Iran Would Reduce Need for Missile Defense  President Obama urges Russia to support efforts to prevent nuclear arms races in East Asia and the Middle East, saying the successful enforcement of international law will remove causes of disagreement between the United States and Russia.

07 July 2009 Remarks by the President at the New Economic School Graduation  Gostinny Dvor, Moscow, Russia.

06 July 2009 Joint Statement by Presidents Obama, Medvedev on Afghanistan

06 July 2009 Press conference by President Obama and President Medvedev of Russia

 • Obama, Russia's Medvedev Agree to Further Missile Defense Talks

 • Russia, U.S. Seek to Lead Nonproliferation Efforts by Example

06 July 2009 Transcript of President Obamas Interview with Novaya Gazeta

06 July 2009 Fact Sheet for the Moscow Summit, July 6-8

01 July 2009 Press Briefing on the President's Trip to Russia, Italy and Africa

 19 June 2009 Statement from President Obama on the Occaision of Juneteenth

09 July 2009 The Obama Administration's arms control and non-proliferation strategy.   Gary Samore, Special Assistant to the President and White House Coordinator for Arms Control and Weapons of Mass Destruction, Proliferation, and Terrorism spoke on “The Obama Administration's arms control and non-proliferation strategy” at the International Institute For Strategic Studies.
From the IISS: Watch the  Speech and the  Q&A Session.

04 July 2009 Fourth of July Message by President Obama (PDF)  "Today we are called upon to remember not only the day our country was born, but also the indomitable spirit of the first American citizens who made that day possible. We are called to remember how unlikely it was that our American experiment would succeed at all; that a small band of patriots would declare independence from a powerful empire; and that they would form, in the new world, what the old world had never known - a government of, by, and for the people."

29 June 2009 Remarks by the President on Energy

26 June 2009 Obama Praises Demonstrators' "Enduring Pursuit of Justice"  President Obama says the bravery of Iranian demonstrators as they face brutality from their government is "a testament to their enduring pursuit of justice," and he said if the Iranian government wants respect from the international community, it must respect the rights of its people.

17 June 2009 Obama’s Remarks on 21st-Century Financial Regulatory Reform  New rules would let markets promote innovation while discouraging abuse.
 •  Treasury Department White Paper (PDF 2.11MB)

14 June 2009 Statement on Prime Minister Netanyahu's Speech  President is committed to two-state solution and peace in the region.
 • U.S. Welcomes Israeli Leader's Endorsement of Palestinian State

PRESIDENT OBAMA'S VISIT TO THE MIDDLE EAST & EUROPE, 3-6 JUNE 2009

Obama begins his trip June 3 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for consultations with King Abdullah on issues including the Middle East peace process, energy and terrorism. He travels June 4 to Cairo for meetings with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and his long-anticipated speech at Cairo University, which is being co-hosted by Al-Azhar University, regarded as one of the world's leading Islamic institutions of higher education.
On June 5 Obama travels to Dresden, Germany, for talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel, a visit with wounded U.S. troops at the military hospital in Landstuhl and a tour of the former Nazi concentration camp at Buchenwald. He closes his trip June 6 with a trip to France, a meeting with President Nicolas Sarkozy in Caen, and participation in ceremonies commemorating the 65th anniversary of the Allied invasion of Normandy on D-Day. Obama will give a speech at the American cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer.

Being Part of a Social Network America.gov's successful blog about the Obama Administration is geared up to discuss the speech in Cairo.
Those wanting to read the blog or leave a comment can go to http://blogs.america.gov/obama/ or you can join one of several social networks at http://www.america.gov/communities/social-networks.html .

 A Gateway to Information
America.gov has also created a special page for the Obama speech and related public affairs materials concerning the partnership between the U.S. and countries in the Islamic world. It is available at http://www.america.gov/obama_cairo.html.

   BACKGROUND TEXTS

06 June 2009 Obama: D-Day Changed an Entire Century  It was unknowable on June 6, 1944, but much of the progress that defined the 20th century began when Allied forces stormed a slice of French beach only six miles long and two miles wide, President Obama said in a speech commemorating the 65th anniversary of the World War II D-Day landings.

05 June 2009 Obama, Germany’s Merkel Confer on a Range of Security Issues  President Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel said now is the moment to forge ahead with the Middle East peace process. At a joint press briefing in Dresden, Germany, June 5, Obama said, "We discussed my recent trip to the Middle East and the need for all of us to redouble our efforts to bring about two states, Israel and a Palestinian state, that are living side by side in peace and security. The moment is now for us to act."

05 June 2009 Many Muslims Saw Hope, Change in Obama's Cairo Speech  "The speech gave me hope that change can happen, especially by collaboration and by seeing common ground and interest," 19-year-old Ingy Hassieb said. The Egyptian college student reflected on the words he had heard when the new American president, Barack Obama, came to Cairo with the call to initiate "a new beginning between the United States and Muslims."

04 June 2009 Obama Calls for a New Beginning with Muslims Around the World  Saying he came to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world, President Obama told an audience in Cairo that the cycle of suspicion and discord that has defined the relationship for so long must end.

04 June 2009 A New Beginning President Obama's speech in Cairo, Egypt.
 • Fact Sheet: The U.S. and Muslim communities around the world (PDF)
 • U.S. Embassy London Hosts Guests for "A New Beginning"

04 June 2009 Remarks by President Obama and President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt before Bilateral Meeting

03 June 2009 Obama Opens Talks with Saudi King Abdullah  President Obama says he wanted to seek the counsel of Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah as he begins a major initiative to address many of the thorny issues that confront U.S. relations in the Middle East and with the Muslim world.
 • Readout of The President's Meeting with King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia

03 June 2009 Briefing by Senior Administration Officials on Cairo Speech

03 June 2009 Remarks by President Obama and King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia Before Their Meeting

02 June 2009 Transcript of the Interview of the President with Justin Webb of the BBC on 1st June 2009.

01 June 2009 Obama Seeks Enhanced Engagement with the Middle East, Europe  The centerpiece of President Obama's five-day visit to the Middle East and to Europe will be his speech June 4 at Cairo University on U.S. relations with the Muslim world, say White House advisers. "President Obama's speech will be an important part of this engagement with the Muslim world, which began in his inaugural (speech) and has continued through venues such as his interview with Al Arabiya, his Nowruz message, and his speech and town hall (meeting) in Turkey," said White House press secretary Robert Gibbs.
  President Obama speaks with the BBC's North America Editor Justin Webb  (BBC website)

29 May 2009 Briefing on Presidents Upcoming Trip to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Germany and France

29 May 2009 President Obama to Speak to Muslim World from Cairo June 4  Shortly after his election, President Obama announced plans to deliver a major foreign policy speech from a Muslim capitol. This promise becomes a reality June 4, when the president will speak from Cairo. The speech will be about America's relations with the Muslim world, and it is expected to be indicative of Obama's perspective, recently broadcast in an interview with Al Arabiya.

10 June 2009 White House Document on Advancing the Role of Women  Series of documents central to Obama administration’s agenda.

29 May 2009 Obama Administration Breaks New Ground on the Internet  During his presidential campaign, Barack Obama impressed Americans and the world with his deft use of the Internet and social networking technologies. Now his administration is using the Internet to make government more accessible and include citizens in the policymaking process. The Open Government initiative, calls for more citizen participation to enhance government effectiveness and for greater collaboration across all levels of government and with the private sector to harness innovative tools.

28 May 2009 Remarks by President Obama and President Abbas of the Palestinian Authority

26 May 2009 Remarks by the President in Nominating Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the United States Supreme Court

26 May 2009 Obama Picks Sonia Sotomayor to Serve on U.S. Supreme Court  President Obama announced May 26 that he will nominate U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Sonia Sotomayor to be a Supreme Court justice. If confirmed by the Senate, Sotomayor, who the president said has "a depth of experience and a breadth of perspective that will be invaluable as a Supreme Court justice," would be the first Hispanic to serve on the highest court in the United States.

25 May 2009 Remarks By The President On Memorial Day

21 May 2009 Obama Sets Framework for Trying Terrorist Detainees  Saying that this generation of Americans faces "a great test in the specter of terrorism," Obama laid out a framework for how the U.S. will proceed in trying and treating detainees accused of acts of terrorism that conforms to accepted U.S. legal practice, and how they will be confined if convicted by U.S. federal district courts or revised military commissions.

21 May 2009 Remarks of President Barack Obama on National Security  President says “There is a core principle that we will apply to all of our actions: even as we clean up the mess at Guantanamo, we will constantly re-evaluate our approach, subject our decisions to review from the other branches of government, and seek the strongest and most sustainable legal framework for addressing these issues in the long-term.”

14 May 2009 Remarks of President Barack Obama at Arizona State University Commencement

12 May 2009 Statement on White House Visit of Middle East Leaders  President Obama to discuss achieving peace in the Middle East.

11 May 2009 Flags at Half Staff for Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week  Proclamation by the President of the United States of America on Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 2009

07 May 2009 Obama Proposes Massive Global Health Initiative  The U.S. is launching a six-year global health initiative that will help some of the poorest regions of the world fight health challenges that kill people who could otherwise be saved with improved health care, says President Obama.

05 May 2009 Statement by the President on Global Health Initiative

02 May 2009 Weekly Address by President Obama on 2009 H1N1 Flu  President Obama outlines U.S. government actions to address new strain of flu virus.

01 May 2009 Statement by the President in honor of World Press Freedom Day

30 April 2009 Obama Marks His First 100 Days  Marking an odyssey that began 100 days ago when he became the first African-American president in U.S. history, President Obama reflected for long moments before the nation on what his presidency has achieved and what still needs to be done.

29 April 2009 News Conference by the President

29 April 2009 Remarks by the President in Arnold, Missouri Town Hall  In his opening remarks the President took a moment to be retrospective.

23 April 2009 Remarks by the President at the Holocaust Days of Remembrance Ceremony

20 April 2009 Remarks by the President to CIA Employees  Remarks during the President's visit to CIA Headquarters in Langley, Virginia.

16 April 2009 President Obama on Choosing a Better Future in the Americas  Obama says it's time for U.S. to “move in a new direction” in the region.

14 April 2009 Speech by President Obama on U.S. Economy: A New Foundation  Addresses progress, economic challenges in America’s future.

10 April 2009 Obama Letter to Congress on Funding for Iraq, Afghanistan  Money to support U.S. military, diplomatic and intelligence operations.

07 April 2009 Obama Makes Unannounced Visit to Iraq  President Obama made a surprise visit to Iraq April 7, where he said that a gradual withdrawal of U.S. forces will help cement security gains as the Iraqi government continues gaining strength.
 • President Obama's Remarks to the Troops in Iraq

07 April 2009 Remarks by President Obama at Student Roundtable in Turkey  Obama committed to rebuilding U.S. relations with Muslim world.

06 April 2009 Repairing Ties in Turkey, Obama Reaches Out to Muslim World  President Obama completed his first overseas tour in Turkey, where he said America’s new efforts to engage with the Muslim world are part of his administration's commitment to a foreign policy rooted in mutual respect and seeking common solutions to global challenges.

05 April 2009 Obama Seeks World Free of Nuclear Weapons  President Obama vowed that the United States will take concrete steps toward a world free of nuclear weapons. "We will reduce the role of nuclear weapons in our national security strategy and urge others to do the same," Obama said in an April 5 speech in Hradcanske Square outside the medieval Prague Castle in the Czech Republic.
 • President Obama Remarks in Prague, Czech Republic

05 April 2009 Obama Condemns North Korea's Missile Launch  President Obama condemned North Korea's launch of a long-range Taepodong-2 missile April 4 as a threat to the security of Northeast Asia and international peace and security. "With this provocative act, North Korea has ignored its international obligations, rejected unequivocal calls for restraint, and further isolated itself from the community of nations," said Obama.

03 April 2009 Obama Seeks Renewed Trans-Atlantic Ties  The U.S. is taking a new approach to a host of emerging global challenges, but friends and allies such as Europe must shoulder their share of the burden, says President Obama, making the case for renewed trans-Atlantic ties.

31 March 2009 - 3 April 2009   President Obama's Visit to the United Kingdom

31 March 2009 Press Gaggle by Robert Gibbs Aboard Air Force One en-route London, England

31 March 2009 New Afghan-Pakistan Plan a Comprehensive Strategy, Obama Says  America's new strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan is focused on dismantling terrorist networks but will employ a wide array of tactics, from strengthening regional security forces to a renewed focus on diplomacy, development and international cooperation, says President Obama.

30 March 2009 President Obama's Interview with the Financial Times

30 March 2009 Obama Heads to Europe with Extensive Schedule  President Obama heads to Europe to address issues that range from the global economy and financial regulation to security, especially in Afghanistan and Pakistan, nuclear nonproliferation and the Middle East.

28 March 2009 Press Briefing on Agenda for G20 Summit, NATO Summit, and EU Summit

27 March 2009 A New Strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan   Prepared Remarks of President Barack Obama

26 March 2009 Obama Urges Renewed NATO Effort in Afghanistan  As NATO prepares to celebrate its 60th birthday, President Obama calls for a renewed commitment to Afghanistan and other shared security challenges facing the 26-nation alliance.

26 March 2009 President Obama to Hold Bilateral Meetings While in London  The President will meet with a number of leaders.

25 March 2009 Obama Names Ambassador to Combat Trafficking in Persons  President Obama nominates Counsel to U.S. House Committee Luis de Baca.

23 March 2009 Barack Obama: A time for global action  President Obama on the urgent need for global economic cooperation.

21 March 2009 President Obama to Focus on Budget Priorities Next Week  In his weekly address, President Barack Obama announced that in the coming week, he will highlight the core principles of his budget: cutting the deficit in half by the end of his first term and making investments in long-delayed priorities like energy independence, education and health care reform.

20 March 2009 Obama Calls for New Beginning in U.S.-Iranian Relations  In a special video message to the people of Iran, President Obama called for a "new day" in relations between Washington and Tehran and a future rooted in honest engagement and mutual respect.

20 March 2009 President's Video Message in Celebration of Nowruz
 •  Video of the President's remarks on Whitehouse.gov.

11 March 2009 Analysis: Obama Adds Turkey to Upcoming European Tour  By adding Turkey to the itinerary of his upcoming European tour, President Obama seeks to continue America’s outreach to the Muslim world as well as renew relations with a key ally and increasingly active diplomatic partner straddling Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East.

07 March 2009 President Obama Presses the Case for Bold Action to Address the Economic Crisis  Remarks of President Barack Obama in his Weekly Address

05 March 2009 Visit by President Obama to Europe  The President and Mrs. Obama will visit the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the Czech Republic from 31 March to 05 April 2009.

03 March 2009 Remarks by President Obama and Prime Minister Gordon Brown  "I think that there are a set of shared values and shared assumptions between us," President Obama said following a meeting with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
 • View video of joint remarks on C-SPAN
 • Watch the PM's speech on C-SPAN
 • Call to Prime Minister Gordon Brown of Great Britain

03 March 2009 Financial Crisis Tops Agenda in British Prime Minister's Visit  America's "special relationship" with Britain is more vital than ever as both nations stand together to face a host of emerging challenges, from a global financial crisis to international efforts to stabilize Afghanistan, says President Obama.

27 February 2009 Remarks of President Barack Obama -Responsibly Ending the War in Iraq

26 February 2009 Remarks by the President on the Fiscal Year 2010 Budget
 • Obama Submits U.S. Budget Proposal for Fiscal Year 2010
 • The full text of the proposed budget for fiscal year 2010 (PDF, 2 MB) is available on the Government Printing Office Web site.

25 February 2009 President Lays Out Economic Recovery Agenda  President Obama spoke to Americans before a joint session of the U.S. Congress about his plans to stabilize, revitalize and expand an American economy that has been weakened and buffeted by an array of conflicting forces, from tight credit to stumbling stock markets.
 • Overhaul of the Economy

24 February 2009 Remarks of President Barack Obama -- Address to Joint Session of Congress

21 February 2009 Weekly Address by the President  President Obama remarks on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

18 February 2009 Obama's First Foreign Visit Is to Canada  Economics, energy and the environment will top the agenda when President Obama makes his first official trip to northern neighbor Canada.

18 February 2009 Statement by President Obama on Afghanistan  "To meet urgent security needs, I approved a request from Secretary Gates to deploy a Marine Expeditionary Brigade later this spring and an Army Stryker Brigade and the enabling forces necessary to support them later this summer. This increase has been requested by General McKiernan and supported by Secretary Gates, the Joint Chiefs and the Commander of Central Command."

17 February 2009 Remarks by Obama at Signing of Economic Stimulus Bill  "Today does not mark the end of our economic troubles. Nor does it constitute all of what we must do to turn our economy around. But it does mark the beginning of the end – the beginning of what we need to do to create jobs for Americans scrambling in the wake of layoffs; to provide relief for families worried they won’t be able to pay next month's bills; and to set our economy on a firmer foundation, paving the way to long-term growth and prosperity."
 • Recovery.gov
 • Signed, sealed, delivered: ARRA (White House blog)

17 February 2009 Webchat with Reporter Juan Williams and Forum on Obama's Election  

Juan Williams, a leading news analyst and journalist for National Public Radio, answered questions in a webchat on the significance of President Obama’s election and what it says about America today. The webchat ended with an open forum.

13 February 2009 Abraham Lincoln "Made My Own Story Possible," Obama Says  Marking the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth February 12, President Obama said he feels "a special gratitude to this singular figure who in so many ways made my own story possible and in so many ways made America's story possible."

12 February 2009 Remarks by the President at the Lincoln Bicentennial Celebration  As we mark the bicentennial of our 16th President's birth, I cannot claim to know as much about his life and works as many who are also speaking today, but I can say that I feel a special gratitude to this singular figure who in so many ways made my own story possible -- and in so many ways made America's story possible.

11 February 2009 Remarks By the President at Re-Opening of Ford's Theatre  Michelle and I are so pleased to be here to rededicate this hallowed space. We know that Ford's Theatre will remain a place where Lincoln's legacy thrives, where his love of the humanities and belief in the power of education have a home, and where his generosity of spirit are reflected in all the work that takes place.

10 February 2009 Obama: Spend Now or Face Catastrophe Later  The U.S. Senate passed its version of an economic stimulus bill, one that would pump more than $800 billion into the U.S. economy through a combination of public spending and tax cuts. The bill now must be reconciled with an earlier, different version passed by the House of Representatives. Congress hopes to achieve a compromise between the two bills quickly, in an effort to stimulate the economy by spending on infrastructure improvements, renewable energy projects and health care.

09 February 2009 The First Press Conference by the President

05 February 2009 Americans Need Swift, Bold, Wise Action on Economy, Obama Says  "By now, it's clear to everyone that we have inherited an economic crisis as deep and dire as any since the days of the Great Depression."..."What Americans expect from Washington is action that matches the urgency they feel in their daily lives -- action that's swift, bold and wise enough for us to climb out of this crisis."

26 January 2009 Interview of the President by Hisham Melhem, Al Arabiya

24 January 2009 President Obama delivers Weekly Address  In his first weekly address since being sworn in as the 44th president of the United States, President Barack Obama discusses how the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan will jump-start the economy.

22 January 2009 Obama Names Special Envoys for Middle East, Afghanistan-Pakistan  President Obama joined Secretary of State Hillary Clinton January 22 to announce former Senator George Mitchell as his special envoy to the Middle East peace process and Ambassador Richard Holbrooke as his special representative to Afghanistan and Pakistan — moves that underscore the new administration’s commitment to renewing America's leadership through reinvigorated diplomacy.

22 January 2009 Obama Orders Guantanamo Shut Down  President Obama issued orders closing the detention center at the Guantánamo Bay U.S. naval base in Cuba within a year and placing new restrictions on interrogation of terrorism suspects. "The message we are sending around the world is that the United States intends to prosecute the ongoing struggle against violence and terrorism and we are going to do so vigilantly," Obama said at a January 22 White House signing ceremony.

21 January 2009 Senate Confirms Group of Obama's Cabinet Picks  In one of his first official acts after being sworn in as the 44th president of the United States, President Obama signed papers formally nominating his Cabinet selections and other top advisers. The U.S. Senate subsequently convened and confirmed seven of his 25 nominations.

21 January 2009 Obama Asks for 120-Day Delay for Guantanamo Trial System  At the request of President Obama, trial proceedings of detainees at the detention center in the Guantánamo Bay U.S. naval base in Cuba have been suspended until approximately May 20, a Pentagon official says.

21 January 2009 Remarks by President Obama at White House Staff Meeting  Obama welcomes senior staff, Cabinet secretaries to White House.

20 January 2009 Barack Obama Becomes 44th President of the United States  Shortly after noon EST (1700 GMT) January 20, Barack Obama took the presidential oath of office, becoming the 44th president and first African-American leader of the United States. Chief Justice of the Supreme Court John Roberts administered the oath of office to Obama on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. "I will faithfully execute the office of the president of the United States," Obama said as he placed his hand on the Bible last used to inaugurate President Abraham Lincoln in 1861.

20 January 2009 Elizabeth Alexander's Inaugural Poem   Poet writes and reads "Praise Song for the Day".

20 January 2009 President Obama’s Inaugural Address   "America, in the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations."

 • Americans Heed Barack Obama's Call to Service
 • January 20 Is Moving Day at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
 • Michelle Obama Enters White House with Substance and Style
 • Hillary Clinton Outlines Obama's Africa Policy

20 January 2009 A National Day of Renewal and Reconciliation  Moments ago, in his first official act since taking the oath of office, President Barack Obama issued a proclamation, calling on Americans to serve one another and our common purpose on this National Day of Renewal and Reconciliation.

State of the Union Address

In his address, Obama cited “a wave of change” that has washed across the Middle East and North Africa.

State of the Union 2012

24 Janaury 2012 A U.S. Economy “Built to Last” Must be Fair, Obama Says   As the United States recovers from an economic recession, Obama said January 24, it needs “an economy built to last” that will support all who want to work, as well as risk-takers and entrepreneurs who will create new jobs in startup companies and small businesses.
 • President Obama's State of the Union Address 2012
 •Blueprint for an America Built to Last (PDF, 8-pages)

State of the Union 2011

25 January 2011 Obama Urges Americans to Meet 21st Century Challenges  In the annual State of the Union address, President Obama urged American lawmakers to support innovative research and educational opportunities as a means of maintaining U.S. economic competitiveness and ensuring its progress in the 21st century. “This is our generation’s Sputnik moment,” the president said January 25 in his address to a joint session of Congress. He was referring to the rapid American technological and scientific response that created the U.S. space program and new economic opportunities after the Soviet Union launched the first satellite into space in 1957. As a result of its quick mobilization, the United States became the first nation to put a man on the moon in 1969.
 • President Obama's State of the Union Address
 • Fact Sheet: Obama's Plan to Win the Future

State of the Union 2010

27 January 2010 Remarks by The President In State of the Union Address  President Obama delivered his first State of the Union address on Wednesday, 27 January at 9:00 EST (0200 GMT on 28 January).